“Art enlightens the intelligence, captivates thought, and incites ambition.” – Pierre de Coubertin (1863–1937), founder of the modern Olympic Games
Sport has often been perceived as opposed to culture, and athletes to artists, as if they belonged to two different worlds. Given the number of exhibitions in France, especially in Paris, exploring the sport trend through all its aspects (history, art, fashion, design, sociology, etc) during the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024, we can assume that this opposition is now obsolete.
If you’re lucky enough to travel to France, don’t miss these various exhibitions in Paris celebrating Olympism in all its forms, and discover the history of the Games, the evolution of sport clothing design, the artists inspired by the performances and athletes.
EXHIBITIONS IN FOCUS
FASHION ON THE MOVE #2
La mode en mouvement #2
The Palais Galliera has selected 300 items from its collections to explore the role of special clothing in physical and sports activities, as well as the sociological factors reflected in its development. Garments designed for sports and physical activities such as horse riding, tennis, golf and bicycling, are compared with clothes that were worn about town.
Until 5 January 2025 – Palais Galliera – Details here
A HUNDRED YEARS OF OLYMPIC GAMES IN FRANCE
Cent ans de Jeux Olympiques en France
Organised by the Archives Nationales, the exhibition presents the five editions of the Games in France: Paris 1900 and 1924, Chamonix 1924, Grenoble 1968 and Albertville-Tignes 1992.
Several highlights include iconographic documents made with models of the athletes villages and objects which belonged to the champions of yesterday and today.
Until 22 September – Jardins du Palais Royal – Details here
MATCH – DESIGN & SPORT, A HISTORY TURNED TOWARDS THE FUTURE
MATCH – Design & sport, une histoire tournée vers le futur
The Musée du Luxembourg is organising an exhibition on the future of design and sport. MATCH explores the role of design in the progress of sport and the ties forged between these two fields, as well as potential developments.
The exhibition also looks at how the sporting world has continued to inspire top designers – and vice-versa – in sectors including the automotive and ready-to-wear industries.
Until 11 August – Musée du Luxembourg gardens – Details here
OLYMPISM, A HISTORY OF THE WORLD
Olympisme, une histoire du monde
This exhibition, the first of its kind in France, brings together 130 years of memorable images, exceptional archives and portraits of athletes with astonishing destinies.
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the 33 modern Olympiads, from Athens 1896 to Paris 2024, including the games that never took place (1916, 1940, 1944). Including almost 600 artworks, documents, archive films, objects, press articles and photographs, the exhibition juxtaposes historic events with sporting exploits and the illustrious figures who embodied them.
Until 8 September – Palais de la Porte Dorée – Details here
OLYMPISM, A MODERN INVENTION, AN ANCIENT HERITAGE
L’Olympisme, une invention moderne, un héritage antique
The Olympic Games were the brainchild of Pierre de Coubertin and a number of French and Greek luminaries, who were later joined by Swiss draughtsman Émile Gilliéron.
In this exhibition, visitors can discover the political context of the time, the iconographic sources on which they were based, and how the organisers recreated the sporting competitions of ancient Greece.
Until 16 September – Musée du Louvre – Details here
THE ART OF THE OLYMPICS
The two-part exhibition features artworks in various mediums that explore sport’s rich cultural, iconographic, social and emotional tapestry, as well as a selection of posters drawn from the Olympic Museum’s collection, which were designed by internationally renowned artists to promote and commemorate previous editions of the Olympic Games.
The Art of the Olympics celebrate the dynamic interplay between art and sport, fostering a vibrant dialogue that continually rejuvenates and enriches both realms.
Until 7 September – Galerie Gagosian – Details here
PARIS OLYMPIQUE™: AN IMMERSIVE JOURNEY
Paris Olympique™, Un voyage immersif
The Olympic Museum’s newest exhibition is a 360° experience guiding visitors through large-scale projections of Paris, past and present. Set to a thrilling musical score against a Parisian backdrop, visitors can explore the Olympic sites, the cultural and sports trends, the champions and the transformation of the Games from being completely unknown to the world’s greatest sporting event.
Until 19 January 2025 – Musée Olympique – Details here
PARALYMPIC STORIES, FROM SPORT INTEGRATION TO SOCIAL INCLUSION
Histoires paralympiques, De l’intégration sportive à l’inclusion sociale – 1948-2024
Combining archives, posters, photographs, sports equipment, artefacts and audiovisual documents, the exhibition looks at those who, through their roles within the Paralympic movement, have shaped a history based on pride in difference and demands for a more inclusive society.
The exhibition echoes the great men and women who are buried in the Panthéon and whose defence of the values of the French republic is seen to deserve official recognition from their country.
Until 29 September – Panthéon – Details here
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