In the Seine
- The Archeological Crypt of the Île de la Cité, Paris
10 Mar - 28 Jun 2026
From€11.00
Recommended
From
€12.00
The exhibition Cling! Comics Talk Cash at the Monnaie de Paris represents a sophisticated curatorial exploration of the symbiotic relationship between the ninth art and the complex world of economics. By transforming the historic Hôtel de la Monnaie into a giant, immersive graphic novel, curators Lucas Hureau and Damien MacDonald have created a narrative path that deciphers our societal obsession with wealth, greed, and survival. The exhibition is structured around eight universal archetypes—the Adventurer, the Thief, the Saver, the Billionaire, the Marginal, the Player, the Forger, and the Alchemist—each serving as a psychological mirror reflecting human behavior through the lens of currency and value.
The selection of works is historically significant, spanning two centuries of graphic narration and bringing together over 250 original plates and rare editions. Key historical pieces, such as Winsor McCay’s powerful 1933 editorial drawing Pennies into Dollars, provide a stark visual allegory of the Great Depression, while classic Franco-Belgian icons like Hergé’s Tintin, Franquin’s Gaston Lagaffe, and Morris’s The Daltons illustrate how popular culture has long critiqued and parodied financial systems. The exhibition also grants a central place to modern legends like Scrooge McDuck and Largo Winch, alongside underground masters such as the Freak Brothers, showcasing a global and diverse history of comic art.
A unique strength of this showcase is the inclusion of eight original commissions from contemporary visionaries, including Catherine Meurisse, Blutch, Coco, Nicolas de Crécy, and Ugo Bienvenu. These artists provide a modern counterpoint to the archival works, bridging the gap between historical print culture and the socio-economic anxieties of the 21st century. The emotional resonance of the exhibition lies in its ability to strip away the clinical nature of finance, replacing it with the collective joy of childhood nostalgia and the biting wit of social satire.
Ultimately, the journey through the 650 square meters of the Monnaie de Paris’s historic salons serves as a poignant reminder that money is more than just a tool of exchange—it is a narrative force that shapes our identities. From the exuberant vaults of Scrooge McDuck to the alchemical reflections on the "true wealth" of the imagination, Cling! invites visitors of all generations to reconsider their own relationship with value. It is an educational and deeply human odyssey that proves that while money may make the world go round, it is the dreamers and artists who truly give it meaning.
Highlights
- Witness over 250 original plates from legendary comic creators that masterfully examine the complex intersection of sequential art and economic theory.
- Explore the historic Hôtel de la Monnaie transformed into a giant, immersive graphic novel designed by curators Lucas Hureau and Damien MacDonald.
- Discover eight universal archetypes of money, including The Alchemists, The Savers, and The Billionaires, each uniquely illustrated by artists like Ugo Bienvenu and Florence Cestac.
- Meet iconic characters such as Scrooge McDuck, Largo Winch, and Gaston Lagaffe as they navigate the challenges of fortune, fame, and finance.
- Traverse a narrative path filled with immersive displays that lead you from legendary safes and robbed banks to the high-stakes world of international finance.
- Experience the subversive power and graphic virtuosity of the ninth art through cult objects and original illustrations curated in collaboration with the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée et de l'image.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cling: Comics Talk Cash
Yes, access to the temporary exhibition is typically included with your admission ticket to the Monnaie de Paris, allowing you to explore both the museum and the special display.
A full visit to 'Cling: Comics Talk Cash' generally takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, though you may want to stay longer to admire the 250 original comic plates.
Photography for personal use is permitted without flash, but the use of tripods or professional equipment is prohibited to ensure the safety of the original artworks.
Yes, the exhibition is family-friendly and highly engaging for children, featuring famous characters like Scrooge McDuck and Tintin to illustrate economic concepts.
The Monnaie de Paris frequently offers guided tours and thematic workshops related to its temporary exhibitions; please check the daily schedule at the reception desk.
Yes, the exhibition rooms and all public areas of the Monnaie de Paris are fully accessible to visitors with motor disabilities and those using wheelchairs.
Monnaie de Paris
- Paris
As the world's oldest continuously operating minting institution, the Monnaie de Paris offers a glimpse into over a millennium of French history through its prestigious coin exhibits and metalworking workshops. This historic Parisian landmark seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary art exhibitions, standing as a testament to the enduring artistry of master craftsmanship since 864 AD.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The Monnaie de Paris welcomes visitors Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.
- The museum offers extended hours every Wednesday until 21:00.
- Please note that the institution remains closed on Mondays.
- Final admission is typically permitted up to 30 minutes before the scheduled closing time.
Special Days
The Monnaie de Paris is closed on public holidays including January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Bank of America cardholders can receive free general admission during the first full weekend of every month.
How to get there
Nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine in the 6th arrondissement, Monnaie de Paris stands as a neoclassical sentinel across from the Louvre, offering seamless accessibility for those wandering through the heart of historic Paris. Its central riverside location makes it easily reachable via an array of scenic and efficient public transport links.
- Metro: Line 7 to Pont Neuf or Lines 4 and 10 to Odéon.
- RER: Lines B and C to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Lines A and B to Châtelet.
- Bus: Lines 24, 27, 58, 70, and 87 to the Quai des Grands Augustins or Pont Neuf stops.
- Batobus: The Saint-Germain-des-Prés stop provides a charming riverside approach just a short stroll from the venue.
Directions
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