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Museum · Esch-sur-Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Musée national de la Résistance et des Droits Humains (Museu Nacional da Resistência e dos Direitos Humanos)
Museum in Esch-sur-Alzette about Luxembourg's occupation by Nazi Germany between 1940 and 1944, the resistance, the general strike of 1942 and the deportations, linked to a reflection on human rights.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Musée national de la Résistance et des Droits Humains (Museu Nacional da Resistência e dos Direitos Humanos)
The Museu Nacional da Resistência e dos Direitos Humanos is located on the praça da Resistência, in the Brill quarter, in central Esch-sur-Alzette. The original building, from the 1950s, was constructed as a memorial to the Luxembourgish resistance, with reliefs on the façade, and was later extended with a modern addition.
The exhibition tells of Luxembourg's occupation by Nazi Germany from May 1940 to September 1944, when the country was effectively annexed to the Reich: the ban on the French language, the Germanisation of names, the forced conscription of young Luxembourgers into the German army, and the persecution and deportation of Jews. It also shows forms of resistance, such as the general strike of August 1942, which spread across the country, with strong support in Esch and the south, and was repressed with executions.
The final section connects this history to current themes of human rights, discrimination and democracy, with debate spaces and temporary exhibitions. There are documents, photographs, personal objects, testimonies and audiovisual resources.
On the same praça stands the monument da Resistência. The visit is dense and moving, and it's advisable to allow time to read the testimonies.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best time
In the afternoon, after Belval. Check opening hours and the weekly closing day before your visit.
How to get there
It is located on the place de la Résistance, in central Esch-sur-Alzette, about a 10-minute walk from the train station and a few minutes from rue de l'Alzette.
Tip
Allow time for the section on the general strike of 1942, which had strong support in the south of the country. Combine it with the Museu Nacional de História Militar de Diekirch to understand the war in Luxembourg from start to finish.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musée national de la Résistance et des Droits Humains (Museu Nacional da Resistência e dos Direitos Humanos)
What was the general strike of 1942?
A strike against the forced conscription of young Luxembourgers into the German army in August 1942. It began in Wiltz in the north and spread across the country, with strong support in the south and in Esch, and was suppressed by the occupiers with executions.
Is the museum only about the war?
Most of it covers the occupation and resistance between 1940 and 1944, but the final section links that history to current issues of human rights and democracy.
How long does the visit take?
About 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing time to read the documents and testimonies.