National Museum of the Resistance
Esch an der Alzette
The National Museum of Resistance and Human Rights in Esch-sur-Alzette offers a profound exploration of Luxembourg's experience under Nazi occupation from 1940 to 1945. Housed in a building designed in 1956 by architects Nicolas Schmit-Noesen and Laurent Schmit, the museum documents the varied forms of resistance by Luxembourgers, including passive resistance, active resistance movements, strikes, and the participation of Luxembourgers in the Allied forces. The ground floor exhibition details the German invasion, Nazi regime, and eventual liberation in 1944-1945. The upper floor focuses on the concentration camps and the persecution of Luxembourg's Jewish population. The collection includes significant artworks such as reliefs by Emile Hulten and Claus Cito, sculptures by Lucien Wercollier and René Weyland, and poignant works like Foni Tissen's fresco and canvas depicting the Hinzert concentration camp, alongside drawings by Yvonne Useldinger of Ravensbrück camp. Since 2009, the museum has hosted rotating temporary exhibitions highlighting various aspects of war, resistance, and human rights, including photography, art, and historical documents. This museum stands as a vital memorial and educational center, preserving the memory of Luxembourg's victims and heroes of the Nazi occupation.
Planifiez votre voyage en Luxembourg avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visitors are advised to check the museum's website for current temporary exhibitions and guided tours, such as the "WOMEN IN WAR by Lynsey Addario" photo exhibition. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for special events and guided visits. The museum offers free entry to certain events and provides educational resources and commemorations throughout the year. The best time to visit is during temporary exhibitions for a richer experience, while the permanent exhibition is accessible year-round.
Faits intéressants
- •The museum building was specifically designed in 1956 by Nicolas Schmit-Noesen and Laurent Schmit to house the resistance collection.
- •It features artworks by prominent artists such as Emile Hulten, Claus Cito, Lucien Wercollier, René Weyland, Foni Tissen, and Yvonne Useldinger.
- •Since 2009, the museum has hosted temporary exhibitions approximately every six months, covering themes from caricatures mocking the Nazi regime to the experiences of Luxembourgish Jews during the war.
- •The museum includes a large fresco by Foni Tissen and drawings from concentration camps that provide a poignant artistic perspective on the war.
- •The museum also explores the treatment of Luxembourg's Jewish community and political deportees during the Nazi occupation.
Histoire
Plans for the museum began in the late 1940s, initiated by resistance members and political deportees aiming to preserve the memory of Luxembourg's Nazi occupation victims.
A committee including the City of Esch-sur-Alzette and resistance representatives led fundraising efforts that culminated in the museum's opening on 22 July 1956.
The building was designed by architects Nicolas Schmit-Noesen and Laurent Schmit.
In 1984, the collection was renewed and the museum renovated under Culture Minister Robert Krieps, reopening in 1987 as a National museum.
Since 2008, Frank Schroeder has managed the museum, continuing its mission of remembrance and education.
Guide du lieu
Ground Floor Exhibition1956
This exhibition narrates the fate of Luxembourgers from the German invasion in May 1940 through Nazi oppression until liberation in 1944-1945, showcasing photographs, objects, and artworks depicting resistance activities and daily life under occupation.
First Floor Exhibition1956
Dedicated to the concentration camps and the persecution of Luxembourg's Jews, this floor displays artifacts and artworks related to the Holocaust and political deportations, including drawings by RavensbrĂĽck survivor Yvonne Useldinger and the Hinzert concentration camp canvas by Foni Tissen.
Sculptures and Reliefs
The museum houses significant sculptures and reliefs, including works by Emile Hulten, Claus Cito, Lucien Wercollier, and René Weyland, which add a powerful artistic dimension to the historical narrative.
Temporary Exhibitions2009-present
Since 2009, the museum has hosted a series of temporary exhibitions every six months, featuring themes such as wartime caricatures, European minorities, and notable figures like Nelson Mandela, enriching visitors' understanding of resistance and human rights.
Contact
Téléphone: 54 84 72
