Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation

The Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation, known as the CHRD, is housed at 14 Avenue Berthelot in the Jean Macé area of Lyon's 7th arrondissement, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building was formerly the École de santé militaire and, during the German occupation, served as a Gestapo headquarters where prisoners were interrogated and held. Lyon was a leading centre of the French Resistance and the site of key events such as the arrest of Resistance leader Jean Moulin in 1943 in the Lyon area, and the museum documents this history. The permanent exhibition follows daily life under occupation, the Vichy regime, the persecution and deportation of Jews, and the organisation and actions of the Resistance, using documents, photographs, objects, personal testimonies and audiovisual material. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent display. The atmosphere is sober, and the building itself, with its original rooms, adds weight to the subject. A visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, though those who read and listen to testimonies in depth can spend longer. Photography is of limited interest in the galleries and may be restricted, so visitors should check signs. The museum is quietest on weekday mornings and busier with school groups during term time. Opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00AM to 6:00PM, with the ticket desk closing at 5:15PM, and the museum closes on most public holidays except 8 May and 11 November. Admission to the permanent exhibition is about €6, about €8 with a temporary exhibition, and free for visitors under 18. Metro B or D to Jean Macé is about five minutes away on foot.