France is considering the establishment of a memorial museum for terrorism victims, championed by President Emmanuel Macron with a proposed opening in March 2027. However, funding challenges have emerged due to budget constraints, disappointing advocates like the Life for Paris association. Despite the financial hurdles, preparations continue, with suggestions for collaboration with local authorities to ensure the project honors the impact of terrorism on society.
Will France Establish a Memorial Museum for Terrorism Victims?
Is France on the verge of launching a memorial museum dedicated to terrorism? While the concept has gained traction over recent years, recent developments indicate a shift in momentum. President Emmanuel Macron has been a strong advocate for this initiative, announcing in 2018 his vision for the museum, with a target opening date set for March 2027, before the conclusion of his presidency.
Funding Challenges Threaten the Project
However, the project now faces significant challenges. According to reports from Le Figaro, the government has recently informed supporters that funding for the museum will not be possible due to budget constraints. This news comes as a heavy setback, as the memorial was intended to be located in Suresnes (Hauts-de-Seine), adjacent to the Memorial of France Fighting, and aimed to honor all victims of terrorism since 1974, starting with the Publicis drugstore attack in Paris.
Among the project’s advocates is the association Life for Paris, representing over 650 victims of the November 13 attacks and their families. Its president, Arthur Dénouveaux, expressed his disappointment to TF1info, stating, “This is a huge disappointment. The President of the Republic has mentioned this initiative during every national tribute to terrorism victims. At one point, we were even offered a site visit with him, which we fully supported. And now, it feels like we’re left in silence.”
The reason behind this setback appears to be financial difficulties in a climate of budgetary reductions. Henry Rousso, president of the museum’s prefiguration mission, argues that the project’s cost of 95 million euros over eight years, shared among four ministries, should not be deemed excessive. “For context, the recent International City of the French Language in Villers-Cotterêts cost two to three times more,” he highlighted. Dénouveaux further notes, “The museum is slated to be housed in a historic monument that needs renovation anyway. While creating a museum adds some costs, the majority of the budget will need to be allocated eventually.”
Despite the current challenges, the project has not been entirely abandoned. Dénouveaux pointed out that preparations are already underway: “The collections are ready. This is an essential project. If funding is an issue, collaborating with local authorities could be a solution.” He suggests that cities like Paris, Nice, and Strasbourg—each impacted by terrorism—could potentially host a national museum. “Perhaps this is the message: terrorism affects civil society, and maybe civil society can help preserve this vital project,” he concluded.