The New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust – Le Quesnoy was established as a charity in 2011 to create a New Zealand facility on the Western Front. Funded entirely by donations, the Trust purchased the historic former WWI mayoral residence in Le Quesnoy, France, in 2017. The building, used as a Gendarmerie (police headquarters) in the years following the War, was vacant at the time. The site also includes a large open green space which we hope to renovate into a public park.
By the end of 2020, the property was fully paid for, allowing the focus to shift to renovating the manor house and planning the visitor experience.
While other WWI allies—Australia, Canada, India, South Africa, and the USA—built museums on the Western Front in the years following the War, New Zealand never did, and so the duty of creating a place of our own fell to individuals. The Trust is very proud to have played its role in creating such a place, and feels that this approach to remembrance is uniquely innovative, true to Kiwi spirit.
Beyond the physical experience, the Trust is dedicated to education—providing resources for visitors, students from Europe and New Zealand, and those interested in learning about New Zealand’s contributions to World War I.
As a living, interactive memorial, the museum encourages visitors to reflect on the cost of freedom and the enduring friendship between Le Quesnoy and New Zealand. Together with the people of Le Quesnoy, we have built a memorial that inspires visitors to remember history and consider their role in shaping the future.
The careful restoration of the 1890s mansion was a meticulous process. After removing non-original partitions in early 2022, refurbishment began in July 2022 and was completed in May 2023.
Wētā Workshop led the creation of the visitor experience, with contributions from the Trust, Auckland War Memorial Museum, researchers, and various experts, including historians local to Le Quesnoy.
Mansion renovation:
July 2022 – May 2023
Visitor experience production:
November 2022 – July 2023
Installation period:
July 2023 – September 2023
Official opening:
11 October 2023
The liberation of Le Quesnoy forged a lasting bond between the town and New Zealand. Over time, this connection has only strengthened, and today, Kiwis visiting Le Quesnoy receive a warm welcome.
New Zealand’s presence is evident in street names like Rue Nouvelle Zélande and Place des All Blacks, as well as personal tributes, such as a preschool named after Doctor Leslie Averill, the first New Zealander to climb the ladder into Le Quesnoy during its liberation.
As Mayor Marie-Sophie Lesne states, “Our bond with New Zealand is very strong. It will never be forgotten. Those who paid the ultimate price rest here with us, and we care for them like our own sons.”
For Kiwis, whether living at home or abroad, Le Quesnoy has become a place of pilgrimage—a tangible link to our shared history outside Aotearoa New Zealand. It is now a must-visit destination, particularly for young New Zealanders exploring Europe on their OE.
This project has been made possible through the passion and generosity of supporters.
However, fundraising continues. We invite contributions from individuals, families, and businesses in New Zealand to sustain the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata for future generations.
We offer various contribution levels and build strong donor relationships. In recognition, supporters receive permanent acknowledgment in the museum, as well as in our online and marketing materials.
For more information or to discuss how you can contribute, please contact:
The New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust – Le Quesnoy
Email: info@nzliberationmuseum.com
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