It was a political earthquake that deeply fractured French society, pitting the interests of the state against the defense of human rights. More than a century later, the Dreyfus Affair (1894–1906) continues to fascinate and raise questions. Through its permanent collection, the Museum of Jewish Art and History (mahJ) in Paris offers a deeply moving immersion into the heart of this scandal, thanks to the unique archival collection bequeathed by the captain’s family.
As you uncover the inner workings of this historic trial, you can’t help but reflect on the fragility of justice. And just a few metro stops away, an interactive play invites you to step into the shoes of a juror for an evening. It’s a unique opportunity to move from historical theory to practice, and to gauge the difficulty of reaching a just verdict.
29 August 2026 17:00 + more dates
5 September 2026 17:00 + more dates
28 August 2026 17:00 + more dates
Exceptional archival documents that stir deep emotion
The mahJ houses one of the world’s most extensive archival collections on the Affair, thanks to successive donations from the Dreyfus family, which you can explore in the permanent collection.
- The Intimate Correspondence: The poignant letters between Alfred Dreyfus and his wife Lucie, written from his forced exile in French Guiana. They bear witness to his moral strength and his obsession with clearing his name.
- The Forged Documents: Facsimiles and originals from the secret dossier fabricated from scratch by the army to incriminate the accused.
- The War of Images: A large section showcases the media frenzy of the era. It features numerous newspaper front pages, including caricatures of unprecedented violence from the anti-Dreyfusard and anti-Semitic press, as well as posters in support of the Dreyfusards.
120 years later…
July 12, 2026, marks the exact 120th anniversary of Alfred Dreyfus’s exoneration, when he was definitively cleared by the Court of Cassation on July 12, 1906. By coincidence, it was also on July 12, 1935, that he passed away at the age of seventy-six. This is the perfect opportunity to discover this cultural treasure.
📍 Location: Museum of Jewish Art and History (Hôtel de Saint-Aignan) – 71, rue du Temple, 75003 Paris.
🚇 Metro: Rambuteau (Line 11) or Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11).
⌚ Hours: The mahJ is closed on Mondays.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
🎫 Admission: €13.50 and €9.50 (reduced rate). The permanent collection is free for EU residents under 25 and for everyone on the first Saturday of the month
