Simone Veil: a free, intimate exhibition reveals her family life at the Shoah Memorial
Until November 30, 2025, the Shoah Memorial in Paris is presenting a free exhibition dedicated to Simone Veil and her sisters. This intimate retrospective reveals a little-known aspect of the former French minister’s life. It offers the public a touching look at the family ties that shaped this major figure of the 20th century.
A moving insight into the Jacob family history
Theexhibition “Simone Veil. Mes sœurs et moi” traces the destiny of four sisters: Madeleine, Denise, Milou and Simone. These young girls, born into a Jewish family in Nice, lived through the darkest hours of history together. Their story illustrates both the tragedy of deportation and the strength of sisterly bonds.
The Shoah Memorial is hosting this free exhibition in its Marais premises. Visitors have free access to over 380 documents and photographs. Among them are many never-before-seen photographs from family archives.
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This exhibition shows how these four sisters confronted the unspeakable and rebuilt their lives after the war.”
The exhibition unfolds chronologically. It begins in thecarefree atmosphere of childhood in Nice, then shifts to the horror of the camps. Finally, it accompanies the survivors in their difficult return to life.
Exceptional family archives presented for the first time
This free exhibition unveils documents never before shown to the public. The Jacob sisters’ families have opened their personal archives for the occasion. Included are letters, notebooks and everyday objects.
The book “Simone Veil. Mes sœurs et moi”, published by Les Arènes, accompanies the retrospective. This 380-page book gathers together the testimonies and images that feed into the museum tour.
- Over 380 photographs and documents on display
- Free access without reservation
- Suitable for all ages
- Audio testimonials from Simone Veil’s family and friends
- Educational area for schoolchildren
The tragic fate and resilience of the Jacob sisters
In 1944, the Jacob family is arrested by the Gestapo. Simone, her mother Yvonne and her sister Milou were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Madeleine, the eldest, was sent to Ravensbrück. Only Denise, a member of the Resistance, escaped the fatal convoy.
Their mother Yvonne died of typhus shortly before the liberation of the camps. This loss profoundly affected the three surviving sisters. This free exhibition traces this pivotal moment in their lives.
On their return from the camps, the sisters had to relearn how to live. Simone resumed her studies and entered Sciences Po. She later married Antoine Veil and embarked on a legal career. Her career led her to the Ministry of Health.
The catalog “Simone Veil. Mes sœurs et moi – L’exposition”, available for €35, extends the experience. It provides a record of this unique retrospective.
A tribute to sisterhood in the face of horror
The exhibition highlights the unbreakable bonds between the four sisters. Despite separation and trauma, they remained united throughout their lives. This solidarity was their main survival force.
Denise Jacob, a member of the French Resistance under the name of Miarka, fought a different battle. Her commitment to the underground earned her the Légion d’honneur. In this way, each sister found her own way to resist barbarity.
Practical information for visiting this free exhibition
The Shoah Memorial is located at 17 rue Geoffroy-l’Asnier, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It is easily accessible from the Saint-Paul or Pont-Marie metro stations. The site is also accessible to people with reduced mobility.
This free exhibition is open every day except Saturday. Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm, with a nocturne on Thursday until 10pm. Reservations are not required for individual visitors.
Guided tours for school groups are available on request. Pedagogical workshops are offered to raise awareness among the younger generation. As a result, this free exhibition also fulfills an essential educational mission.
The Memorial offers audio guides to enhance your visit. These devices offer additional testimonies and historical insights. They provide a better understanding of the context of the time and the Jacob sisters’ unique journey.
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