Premières Nations: Northwest Coast Indigenous Art at Musée du quai Branly
An exhibition dedicated to the First Nations of the American Northwest Coast is currently on display at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris, running until January 17, 2027. This showcase highlights the thriving, sedentary societies that existed along 1,800 kilometers of coastline, despite lacking agriculture and writing. Sacred items such as heraldic poles and masks, which symbolize lineage and rights, are featured. Collaborating with the Haida Gwaii Museum, the exhibition also emphasizes the impact of Northwest Coast cultures on influential figures like Claude Lévi-Strauss, André Breton, and Max Ernst. Visitors can explore themes of matrilineal descent and community ties. Located at 37 quai Branly, 75007 Paris, it operates daily except Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with tickets costing €14, reduced to €11.
Key facts
- The exhibition is at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris.
- It runs until January 17, 2027.
- The First Nations of the American Northwest Coast lived along 1,800 kilometers of coastline.
- Their societies were sedentary, populous, and hierarchical without agriculture or writing.
- The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Haida Gwaii Museum in Canada.
- Claude Lévi-Strauss, André Breton, and Max Ernst were influenced by Northwest Coast cultures.
- The address is 37 quai Branly, 75007 Paris, near Métro Iéna (line 9).
- Opening hours are daily except Monday, 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Thursday until 10 p.m.; tickets €14, reduced €11.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
- Haida Gwaii Museum
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Canada
- Northwest Coast
- Haida Gwaii
- 37 quai Branly
- 75007 Paris
- Métro Iéna