1940: The Exodus of the Parisians

The museum’s first temporary exhibition in its new setting addresses the subject of the exodus of Parisians during the Second World War.

From the beginning of May to mid-June 1940, the population experienced a distressing historical moment: the flight of eight million people to escape the advancing German armies. In scenes of unimaginable chaos, three-quarters of the population of Paris took to the roads with as many of their necessary and treasured belongings as they could carry. The structures of society had suddenly collapsed. Few traces remain of this traumatic episode, it has to be said. 80 years later, the musée de la Libération de Paris -
musée du général Leclerc - musée Jean Moulin examines what was both a French and a European tragedy.

The aim of the exhibition is to describe to the public how, in the space of a few weeks, a well-organised society came to an abrupt end, and to reflect on the experience of refugees in general. The exhibition is essentially based on still or moving pictures, as well as contemporary documents (newspapers, archives). Few objects remain as evidence of this tragic moment, but a number of works of art in the form of drawings will be featured.

CURATORS

Sylvie Zaidman, conservatrice en chef du patrimoine et directrice du musée de la Libération de Paris – musée du général Leclerc – musée Jean Moulin

Hanna Diamond, historienne spécialiste de l’exode, professeur à l’université de Cardiff (Pays de Galles/UK)

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