Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery

Memorial · Nantes

Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery

Memorial · Nantes

Passerelle Victor-Schoelcher, Quai de la Fosse, 44000 Nantes, France

Highlights

This striking underground monument honors abolitionists and the victims of the Atlantic slave trade, providing a deeply moving and thoughtful experience.

Passerelle Victor-Schoelcher, Quai de la Fosse, 44000 Nantes, France Get directions

memorial.nantes.fr

@afar

"Only open since 2012, the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery may be relatively new to Nantes, but it’s one of the world’s most poignant dedications to the slave trade and its abolition. Tourists may be surprised to learn that Nantes was the most active port in 18th-century France, with 40 percent of the slave trade—some 450,000 men, woman, and children brought from Africa to America—passing through its harbor. Free to visit, the memorial along the esplanade addresses the city’s past with thousands of glass plaques paying tribute to ships, expedition dates, and African slave colonies. Head downstairs to see the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 50 different languages, along with various personal accounts, literary works, and abolitionism texts."

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Yeephang Wong

Google

Very beautiful memorial underground with some work also embedded in the pavements leading to it, subtle but powerful message. There are two entryways, the starting point is by the Pont Anne de Bretagne (or the Chantiers Navals stop if taking tram #1), and there is a lift for those having mobility issues. For in depth understanding of this there is recommendations to got to the musée d'histoire de Nantes, located in the Château des ducs de Bretagne.

Thirza Snoek

Google

Powerful way of telling about Nantes' implication in the Trans-Atlantic trade in enslaved people. I had the feeling of standing inside one of the ships that carried people over the ocean. Really intriguing and powerful to walk through this memorial. I like the fact that the city recognises its own role, curious to know if/how there might have been/be reparations.

Exoney Lik

Google

I saw something like knowledge or catchwords. But the real thing made me tear is the singing voice of the escaping slave women floating on a river.

Sunshine Daisy

Google

A moving tribute to what was the slave trade, providing details about it before, during and after, as well as giving insight into slavery as a human rights issue as well. Plus it's free! I highly recommend visiting.

Dee S

Google

Interesting, unexpected and well laid out! However, it was upsetting to see some kids in a solemn place climbing the structure and treating the wooden planks like a jungle gym, with parents not telling them off.

CathDonnelly

Google

Impactful experience to see the historical footprint Nantes has had. The audio accompanying the experience adds to it and overall it’s well designed, thoughtful and something not to be missed when here.

Hiram Ngoma

Google

True story very inspirational place...

Rohit Thorat

Google

The place is peaceful and historical. The museum is small and informative.