Cité de l'architecture exhibition on heritage in war zones criticized for unclear vision

The exhibition 'Patrimoines en résistance' at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine in Paris, curated by Mathilde Leloup and Élisabeth Essaïan, attempts to blend scientific data with artistic emotion but fails to reconcile the two approaches. It covers conflicts from the last 30 years, including Bamiyan, Sudan, Gaza, Iraq, and Syria, using videos by Iconem, 3D reconstructions, and artworks. The show broadens the definition of heritage to include 'cultural cleansing, urbicide, ecocide, resource pillaging,' but the dense informational panels may deter visitors. A section on international law and cultural property protection is noted as more conventional. President Julien Bargeton acknowledges the risk of addressing politically charged topics but insists on the institution's scientific and cultural role. Curators emphasize 'repair' over 'reconstruction' and focus on NGOs and collectives. The exhibition runs from June 2026.