Acquisition of building 1969 (≈ 1969)
Purchase by the municipality of the property Desprez.
11 novembre 1972
Opening of the museum
Opening of the museum 11 novembre 1972 (≈ 1972)
Opening of the first two rooms to the public.
2003
Label Musée de France
Label Musée de France 2003 (≈ 2003)
Official recognition by the State.
2018
Renovation and extension
Renovation and extension 2018 (≈ 2018)
New open spaces and lobby.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
André-Louis Desprez - Former mayor, deputy and senator
Owner of the museum building.
Origin and history
The Harnes Museum of History and Archaeology (MHA) was established in 1971 in the former property of André-Louis Desprez, mayor, deputy and senator who died in 1900. The municipality of Harnes acquired this building in 1969 to install the military collections collected since 1919 by veterans, as well as archaeological remains discovered during the development of the local industrial zone. The museum was inaugurated on 11 November 1972 with two first rooms, and gradually expanded thanks to the commitment of volunteers and municipal support.
The museum's collections cover two main axes: local archaeology, with artifacts from ancient and medieval excavations, and military history, including the First and Second World Wars, Resistance and Deportation. A rich collection of postcards from Harnes and its surroundings completes these sets. The museum has been labeled Musée de France since 2003 and has undergone major renovation in 2018, financed by the City, the State and European funds.
The extension-renovation project added two new exhibition spaces (permanent and temporary) and a reception hall. This development is part of the Interreg IV programme "Transmussites 14-45", aimed at valuing the historical heritage linked to world conflicts. The museum highlights local history, including the role of Harnes as a German rear base during the First World War, just 12 km from the Artois front.
