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- Musée des Arts et Métiers, Paris
14 Oct - 17 May 2026
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The exhibition In the Seine: found objects from prehistory to the present day, currently hosted at the Archaeological Crypt of the Île de la Cité, offers a profound curatorial exploration of Paris’s identity through its aquatic artery. By showcasing 150 artifacts recovered from the riverbed, the display moves beyond traditional archaeology to present the Seine as a living archive and a silent witness to the city's evolution. The curatorial theme centers on the intimate, enduring relationship between human civilization and the river, framing the water as a repository of both the mundane and the sacred.
Spanning millennia, the exhibition highlights the historical significance of the Seine from the earliest human settlements to the industrial age. Visitors encounter Neanderthal flint tools found at Clichy-la-Garenne, which represent some of the oldest traces of life in the Paris basin, and Gallo-Roman stone sculptures from the sanctuary of Sequana, the goddess of the river. The transition into the medieval period is marked by the presence of bronze age weaponry and votive offerings, such as the curious lead-alloy figurines known as chevaliers, believed to be tokens of faith left by 14th-century knights. These pieces underscore the river’s role as a site of ritual and spiritual deposit across different faiths and eras.
The emotional resonance of the display lies in its ability to humanize the distant past through lost or discarded fragments of daily life. From a 16th-century mascaron from the Pont Neuf to humble pilgrim badges and domestic waste, the objects evoke a sense of shared continuity. There is a haunting beauty in seeing ritual deposits of swords and battleaxes alongside architectural fragments, illustrating how the river has absorbed the city's triumphs, struggles, and transformations. This dialogue between the artifacts and the ancient foundations of the crypt itself creates a powerful atmosphere of immersion, reminding us that the history of Paris is inextricably tied to the currents of the Seine.
Highlights
- Discover a stunning collection of 150 artifacts that have been meticulously recovered from the riverbed of the Seine.
- View an array of ancient weapons and votive offerings that reveal the ritual and military history of early Parisian inhabitants.
- Learn about the scientific archaeological methods used by researchers to date and interpret these fascinating underwater finds.
- Trace the evolution of the city through reclaimed relics spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era.
- Explore the unique underground setting of the Archaeological Crypt of the Île de la Cité, which provides a dramatic backdrop for the display.
Frequently Asked Questions about In the Seine
Yes, access to this temporary exhibition is included with your general admission ticket to the Archaeological Crypt of the Île de la Cité.
Visitors typically spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour exploring the 150 artifacts on display, in addition to the time spent in the permanent ruins of the Crypt.
Photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted, provided that you do not use a flash, tripod, or any equipment that might obstruct other visitors.
Yes, the exhibition is an engaging way for children to learn about history through physical objects like ancient weapons and everyday items found in the river.
Yes, the site is equipped with an elevator and is fully accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
The collection features 150 diverse items recovered from the Seine, ranging from prehistoric flint and Gallic coins to medieval weapons and modern-day artifacts.
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