Bayonne's Bonnat-Helleu Museum Unveils 'Mythologies': A Labyrinth of Global Myths
From July 8 to November 9, 2026, Bayonne's Musée Bonnat-Helleu will host 'Mythologies,' showcasing nearly 100 artworks spanning from prehistory to the 20th century. Among the highlights are 40 exceptional pieces borrowed from the Louvre, including Raphael's 'Saint George Fighting the Dragon' (1503–1505) and a mithraic Kronos sculpture dating back to 389 AD. Additionally, the musée du quai Branly will provide around twenty items, such as a Japanese fox mask and a Quetzalcóatl sculpture from Mexico. Curators Barthélémy Etchegoyen Glama and Benjamin Caule focus on deliberate contrasts, featuring a central mirrored column and local Pyrenean heritage artifacts. A nod to Roland Barthes links ancient myths to contemporary pop culture, featuring displays like a photo of El Santo alongside a Star Wars lightsaber.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Mythologies' runs from July 8 to November 9, 2026 at Musée Bonnat-Helleu, Bayonne.
- Nearly 100 works from prehistory to the 20th century are on display.
- 40 treasures from the Louvre are shown for the first time in Bayonne.
- Raphael's 'Saint George Fighting the Dragon' (1503–1505) is a highlight.
- The musée du quai Branly lends about 20 pieces from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
- Curators are Barthélémy Etchegoyen Glama and Benjamin Caule.
- The installation is designed as a labyrinth with a central mirrored pillar.
- The exhibition pays homage to Roland Barthes, a native of Bayonne.
- Local Pyrenean heritage objects are included, such as a Basque woman-goose mask and 15,000-year-old figurines.
- Modern pop culture items like a Star Wars lightsaber are juxtaposed with ancient artifacts.
Entities
Artists
- Raphael
- Rubens
- Titien
- Tibaldi
- Arthur Rackham
- Valère Bernard
- Achille Zo
- Thomas Loyatho
- Lourdes Grobet
- Roland Barthes
- Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Institutions
- Musée Bonnat-Helleu
- Louvre
- musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac
- GrandPalaisRmn
Locations
- Bayonne
- France
- Paris
- Louvre
- Gabies
- Lebanon
- Milo
- Egypt
- Asia
- Africa
- Oceania
- Americas
- Japan
- Mali
- Mexico
- Pyrenees
- Isturitz
- Gascogne
- Pays basque