Alain Keler: Life Stories
- Château de Vincennes, Paris
22 May - 11 Sep 2026
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The exhibition Animalia: Bestiary from The Al Thani Collection at the Hôtel de la Marine offers a profound exploration into the universal fascination with the animal kingdom, transcending both time and geography. As a curator, I find the collection’s ability to weave a narrative across four continents and five millennia to be a testament to the enduring role of animals as muses, symbols, and spiritual guides. By presenting over 120 exceptional objects, many of which make their Parisian debut, the exhibition highlights how diverse civilizations—from Ancient Greece to the Qing dynasty—have utilized animal imagery to encode complex human values such as power, wisdom, and protection.
The selection of masterpieces serves as a chronological and cultural bridge, showcasing the evolution of craftsmanship and artistic intent. Among the most striking highlights is a Laconian bronze votive figure of a horse from the Greek Geometric period, which epitomizes the horse as an ancient emblem of status and wealth. This dialogue between civilizations continues with a massive tiger-shaped garment buckle from China’s Warring States period, illustrating the raw power associated with the feline form. These ancient treasures are masterfully juxtaposed with later works, such as a delicate jewelled cane handle by Fabergé carved as a snake's head, representing the height of 19th-century European luxury and meticulous detail.
Beyond technical brilliance, the exhibition resonates on an emotional level, tapping into the spiritual and symbolic connection between humanity and nature. The inclusion of an African wooden sculpture of a bird by the Senufo peoples underscores the animal as a sacred medium, connecting the earthly realm to the divine. Each piece, whether depicting a real or imaginary creature, invites the spectator to reflect on their own place within the natural world. This "artistic bestiary" is not merely a display of objects but a celebration of human creativity and the shared cultural heritage that recognizes the animal as a mirror of our own ambitions, fears, and identities.
Highlights
- Admire the Laconian Bronze Horse from the Greek Geometric period, an exquisite statuette representing the artistic mastery of the 8th century BC.
- Examine a magnificent Tiger-Shaped Finial from the Chinese Warring States period, originally designed to adorn a bronze ritual drum.
- Marvel at a diverse selection of over 120 Extraordinary Objects that explore the universal human fascination with the animal kingdom across four continents.
- Discover rare depictions of Imaginary Creatures, including mythical beings that have captured the human imagination for millennia.
- Witness a sprawling collection of artifacts spanning from the 3rd Millennium BC to the 20th century, showcased for the first time at the Hôtel de la Marine.
- Explore the intricate craftsmanship of ancient civilizations through a curated bestiary featuring Real and Fictional Creatures in various mediums.
Frequently Asked Questions about Animalia - Bestiary from The Al Thani Collection
Access to the 'Animalia' exhibition usually requires a specific ticket for The Al Thani Collection, which may be separate from the general admission to the 'Intendant's Apartments' or 'Grand Apartments'.
Visitors typically spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour exploring the 'Animalia' bestiary, depending on their level of interest in the 120 detailed objects on display.
Photography without flash is generally permitted for personal use, but it is important to respect any specific signs indicating restricted items within The Al Thani Collection.
Yes, the 'Animalia' bestiary is very popular with families as it features a wide array of animal depictions, including both real and mythical creatures that capture children's imaginations.
The Hôtel de la Marine is fully accessible, with elevators and facilities designed to accommodate visitors with reduced mobility throughout the exhibition spaces.
Guided tours may be available on specific days; it is recommended to check the official Hôtel de la Marine schedule or use the provided audio guides for a detailed explanation of the Al Thani treasures.
Hôtel de la Marine
- Paris
Situated on the Place de la Concorde, the Hôtel de la Marine is a Parisian cultural icon that once housed the royal furniture collection and served as the French navy headquarters for two centuries. This expertly refurbished landmark now offers visitors rare access to opulent 18th-century apartments and world-class exhibitions just steps from the Louvre.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The Hôtel de la Marine is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays until 9:30 p.m.
- Last access to the monument is allowed until 45 minutes before the scheduled closing time.
- Specific last entry for the Intendants' Apartments is 5:45 p.m. and for the Al Thani Collection is 6:00 p.m. on standard days.
Special Days
The venue is closed annually on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Free admission is offered to all visitors on the first Sunday of the month from November to March.
The monument remains open on several public holidays including Easter Monday, Ascension Day, and Bastille Day.
How to get there
Commanding a majestic position on the Place de la Concorde in the 8th arrondissement, the Hôtel de la Marine is a beacon of French heritage perfectly integrated into the city’s historic core. Its central location ensures effortless access via Paris’s extensive public transport network, placing this royal architectural gem just steps away from the Seine.
- Metro: Lines 1, 8, and 12 to Concorde
- Bus: Lines 42, 45, 52, 72, 73, 84, and 94 to Concorde
- RER: Line A to Charles de Gaulle - Étoile or Auber, or Line C to Musée d'Orsay followed by a short walk across the river
Directions
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