Musée Néo-Zélandais de la Libération

About the museum

The museum tells the story of the liberation of Le Quesnoy on November 4, 1918, when New Zealand soldiers scaled the ramparts with a ladder and ended four years of German occupation, without civilian casualties. Its Māori name, Te Arawhata, means “the ladder”. A 7.4-meter ladder rises up the building's staircase.

The museum occupies a manor house from the 1890s, which was the mayor's residence during the First World War and later the headquarters of the gendarmerie. The New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust, founded in 2011 and funded solely by donations, bought the property in 2017. Renovation work ran from July 2022 to May 2023, and the museum officially opened on October 11, 2023. The site also includes a large green space that the association hopes to turn into a park.

The displays were designed by Wētā Workshop, with dramatized narratives, sculptures and soundscapes that bring to life the story of the liberation and the friendship between the town and New Zealand. A gallery on rugby and war, titled “From the Field to the Front”, recalls among other things the All Blacks of 1905 and can be reconfigured for future displays.

Highlights

• Immersive route designed by Wētā Workshop
• 7.4-meter Te Arawhata ladder
• Account of the liberation of Le Quesnoy on November 4, 1918
• “From the Field to the Front” gallery on rugby and war
• 1890s manor house and its garden

Founded

2023

Operated by

New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust – Le Quesnoy

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and a lift serves the third floor. A disabled parking space is located near the entrance. Assistance dogs on a leash are admitted. Staff can help visitors on request.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is about a 5-minute walk from the town center. Le Quesnoy is about 2 hours 30 minutes by car from Paris. During works behind the museum, visitors use the entrance on Rue Achille Carlier.

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