Plumes Du Paradis
- Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris
22 May - 8 Nov 2026
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Recommended
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The exhibition Heritage in Resistance, hosted at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine, offers a poignant and timely exploration of the systematic destruction of cultural and natural heritage in modern conflict zones. Spanning a global geography from Timbuktu to Odesa, and including sites from Bamiyan to Gaza, the curation delves into the devastating phenomena of urbicide and cultural cleansing. As a curator, I find the exhibition’s structural narrative—divided into the three evocative sequences of Erasing, Resisting, and Restoring—to be a profound meditation on the fragility of human memory and the enduring power of cultural identity.
A central pillar of this showcase is the innovative use of technology to preserve what has been physically lost. Through high-fidelity digital replicas and 3D surveys produced by Iconem, such as the moving restitution of the Al-Nouri Mosque in Mosul or the archives of the Temple of Bel in Palmyra, visitors are granted access to a "digital double" of history. These works are further enriched by the inclusion of contemporary art and historical documents, curated under the expertise of figures like architect Yves Ubelmann and political scientist Mathilde Leloup. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that the exhibition is not merely a record of loss, but a vital archive of human ingenuity and technical preservation.
The historical significance of the exhibition is anchored in the 2012 destruction of the mausoleums of Timbuktu, a landmark event that led the International Criminal Court to classify the deliberate annihilation of cultural monuments as a war crime. This legal and moral turning point serves as the backdrop for a larger conversation about the role of international mobilization. By showcasing the efforts of local communities, NGOs, and researchers, the exhibition highlights that the act of documenting and protecting a site is, in itself, a potent form of resistance against the erasure of a people's history.
Ultimately, the emotional resonance of Heritage in Resistance lies in its hopeful conclusion regarding the nature of repair. The final sequence, Restoring, posits that post-conflict reconstruction is a holistic process that involves more than just stone and mortar; it is about rebuilding the social fabric and restoring bonds between living societies and their past. Whether viewing the internal restoration of the Odessa Cathedral or archaeological finds from Mali, the visitor is reminded that heritage is an essential lever for imagining a shared future. It is a sensitive and committed narrative that transforms ruins into a foundation for collective renewal.
Highlights
- Experience the Erasing, Resisting, and Restoring structural narrative that explores cultural survival in modern conflict zones.
- View high-resolution digital replicas of lost heritage sites from Timbuktu to Odesa.
- Discover a poignant collection of contemporary art and graphic documents illustrating the impact of cultural cleansing.
- Learn about the preservation of sites from Bamiyan to Gaza and the devastating phenomenon of urbicide.
- Engage with moving stories of cultural survival told through the perspectives of architects, witnesses, and artists.
- Witness the innovative use of 3D technology to document and restore vulnerable archaeological resources from Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Heritage in Resistance
Yes, your entrance ticket to the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine includes access to all temporary exhibitions, including 'Heritage in Resistance'.
It is recommended to set aside approximately 1 hour to fully explore the artworks, digital replicas, and narratives presented in the exhibition.
Photography for personal use is allowed without flash, though the use of tripods or professional equipment is prohibited to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Yes, the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, and elevators are available to reach the exhibition spaces.
While the themes of conflict and survival are profound, the visual digital replicas and contemporary artworks make it an engaging educational experience for older children and teenagers.
The museum regularly organizes guided tours; please check the official schedule or inquire at the reception desk upon your arrival for specific times.
Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine
- Paris
Explore the evolution of French design at Paris’s Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine, where immersive exhibitions showcase life-sized casts and intricate miniatures of iconic monuments from the 12th century to the modern era. This cultural landmark offers a definitive journey through architectural history, featuring major heritage sites and renowned international structures in the heart of Trocadéro.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine is open every day except Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- On Thursdays, the museum offers extended evening hours until 9:00 PM.
- The last entry to the venue is permitted until 40 minutes before closing, specifically at 6:20 PM on most days and 8:20 PM on Thursdays.
Special Days
The museum is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th, with early closures at 5:00 PM on December 24th and December 31st.
Free entry is offered to all visitors on the first Sunday of the month and is always free for individuals under the age of 26.
It remains open on several public holidays including Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and November 11th.
How to get there
Perched within the magnificent Palais de Chaillot in the 16th arrondissement, the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine overlooks the Trocadéro gardens and the Eiffel Tower. This cultural landmark is exceptionally well-connected, making it easily accessible from all corners of Paris via various public transit networks.
- Metro: Lines 6 and 9 to Trocadéro station.
- RER: Line C to Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel station, followed by a short walk across the Pont d'Iéna.
- Bus: Lines 22, 30, 32, and 63 to the Trocadéro stop, or line 72 to the Pont d'Iéna stop.
- Noctilien: Night bus N53 to the Trocadéro stop.
- Batobus: Seine River shuttle to the Tour Eiffel stop, located just across the river from the venue.
Directions
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