Mémorial de l'Abolition de l'Esclavage

Monument in Nantes

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chabe01

The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage in Nantes stands as a poignant tribute to the millions of individuals who suffered under the transatlantic slave trade and honors those who fought for its abolition. Situated along the Quai de la Fosse—a historic departure point for many slave ships—the memorial was inaugurated in 2012, marking Nantes’ acknowledgment of its significant role as France’s leading slave-trading port in the 18th century. This site serves both as a place of remembrance and a call to ongoing vigilance against all forms of oppression.

Designed by artist Krzysztof Wodiczko and architect Julian Bonder, the memorial comprises two distinct yet interconnected spaces. Above ground, a 7,000-square-meter esplanade features 2,000 glass plaques: 1,710 list the names and departure dates of slave ships from Nantes, while the remaining 290 denote African, Caribbean, and American ports involved in the trade. This open-air pathway invites reflection on the vast scale and human cost of slavery.

Descending beneath the quay, visitors enter a contemplative underground passage. Here, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is displayed alongside the word “Liberty” translated into 47 languages from regions affected by the slave trade. A 90-meter glass wall presents texts spanning five centuries and multiple continents, including abolitionist writings, personal testimonies, and legal documents. This immersive environment fosters a profound engagement with the enduring legacy of slavery and the universal pursuit of freedom.

The Mémorial de l'Abolition de l'Esclavage appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Nantes!

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