Maison des Mémoires
Interpretation centre of 120 m² set up in the former Pax prison, a place of memory of the Resistance and the Second World War in Annemasse.
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Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Maison des Mémoires occupies the former Pax prison, at 21 avenue de la Gare. At the end of 1942, Italian soldiers requisitioned a knitwear factory and imprisoned political opponents in its cellar. From September 1943, the German occupation forces converted the building into a prison, which became the main prison of the département during the war. The prison register lists 736 names, including Resistance members and Jewish people, among them 39 children; most were transferred to the Montluc prison before being deported. Mila Racine and Marianne Cohn, two young Resistance members who helped Jewish children reach Switzerland, were held here.
The town of Annemasse has transformed this symbolic site into an interpretation centre of 120 m², to preserve and pass on the commune’s memorial heritage. The exterior façade, the only remnant of the original building, has been restored to its original appearance, including the reconstruction of the second-floor balcony.
Highlights
- Former Pax prison, a Resistance site in Annemasse
- Chronological route through the site’s history during the Second World War
- Interactive and participatory displays
- Screenings and audiovisual testimonies
- Free admission
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours muséographique de la Maison des Mémoires – Chronological route tracing the history of the Pax prison during the Second World War, with interactive displays, screenings and audiovisual testimonies.
- Founded
- 2025
- Operated by
- Ville d'Annemasse
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | –Groups are limited to 15 people. |
|---|
Free admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair-accessible without assistance, with an accessible entrance, an adapted reception desk, toilets fitted with grab bars and manoeuvring space, seating and standing-support areas. The reception staff are aware of how to welcome people with disabilities.
Kids & families
- Stroller-friendly
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Libération
TAC bus, Libération stop (lines T1, T2, 4 and 8), less than 500 m away.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Groups are limited to 15 people. Educational visits are offered. Animals are not allowed. |
