L'oiseau de paradis: Five Centuries of Desire in Paris Exhibition

An exhibition at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris, running from October 2025 to January 2026, explores the cultural and artistic fascination with the bird of paradise from the 16th to the 21st century. The show traces how the bird's vibrant colors and exotic allure have fueled a persistent desire for paradise, influencing art, fashion, and colonial narratives. Featuring over 300 works including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and natural history specimens, the exhibition examines the bird's role in European imagination, from its first appearance in trade routes to its symbolic use in contemporary art. Curated by a team of anthropologists and art historians, the exhibition highlights the bird's transformation from a natural wonder to a cultural icon, reflecting broader themes of colonialism, exoticism, and environmental awareness. The display includes pieces by artists such as Albrecht Dürer and contemporary creators, alongside ethnographic objects from Oceania. The exhibition is part of the museum's ongoing commitment to showcasing non-Western art and culture, and it coincides with renewed global interest in biodiversity and conservation. Visitors can expect a multisensory experience, with immersive installations and audio guides that contextualize the bird's significance across different cultures and periods.