The MMT at the European Heritage Days at the Paris Court of Appeal

Published on

22nd September 2026

updated on

22nd September 2026

On 19 September 2026, the Museum and Memorial of Terrorism joined forces with the Paris Court of Appeal to take part in the European Heritage Days. The event, held at the Paris Palais de Justice, attracted 1,464 visitors with two main activities: a photographic exhibition and a lecture.

The exhibition, entitled “Facing Terrorism: A Heritage Yet to Be Created”, showcased iconic pieces from the permanent collection currently being assembled for the future museum. The exhibits were organised around three themes: the violence of the attack, the resilience of societies, and the resilience of those affected. An audio guide, available on smartphones and offering automatic translation into all languages, accompanied visitors on their tour.

In the morning, Henry Rousso, historian and chair of the GIP-MMT, gave a lecture entitled “The Museum and Memorial to Terrorism, a new heritage venue”, reviewing the project’s origins, the state of the collections (2,600 items recorded in January 2026, of which 41 per cent were court-sealed items and 40 per cent donations) and the heritage challenges specific to this type of institution.

Feedback gathered from visitors indicates a largely positive response. Many praised the initiative as both necessary and educational, with some highlighting the evocative power of the objects on display and the direct link they establish with the events experienced. Several visitors emphasised the importance of preserving this collective memory and passing it on to as many people as possible, including in schools.

“A fair and moving exhibition, which reminds us of the violence of those events but also of our country’s strength and resilience.” Aurore (Chaumes-en-Brie).

“We are Charlie, Ahmed, 9/11, Samuel and so many others whom we do not forget and who linger in our minds. They are only truly remembered if their memory endures. Thank you for keeping the flame of our memories alive.” Régis (Montgeron).

Vue générale du public de l'exposition photographique "Face au terrorisme, un patrimoine à inventer" lors des JEP 2026 à la Cour d'appel de Paris — Exposition photographique "Face au terrorisme, un patrimoine à inventer" à la Cour d'appel de Paris

Un homme devant un panneau de l'exposition photographique "Face au terrorisme, un patrimoine à inventer" lors des JEP 2026 à la Cour d'appel de Paris — Exposition photographique "Face au terrorisme, un patrimoine à inventer" lors des JEP 2026 à la Cour d'appel de Paris

Un homme de dos face à un panneau de l'exposition photographique "Face au terrorisme, un patrimoine à inventer" lors des JEP 2026 à la Cour d'appel de Paris — Exposition photographique "Face au terrorisme, un patrimoine à inventer" lors des JEP 2026 à la Cour d'appel de Paris

Public de l'exposition photographique "Face au terrorisme, un patrimoine à inventer" lors des JEP 2026 à la Cour d'appel de Paris — Exposition photographique "Face au terrorisme, un patrimoine à inventer" lors des JEP 2026 à la Cour d'appel de Paris

Vue du public de la conférence d'Henry Rousso "Le MMT, un nouveau lieu patrimonial" lors des JEP 2026 à la Cour d'appel de Paris — Conférence d'Henry Rousso "Le MMT, un nouveau lieu patrimonial" à la Cour d'appel de Paris