The Great Ages
- Musée de l’Homme, Paris
8 Apr - 3 Jan 2027
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The Mummies exhibition at the Musée de l'Homme is a profound curatorial endeavor that transcends the traditional "cabinet of curiosities" to present a rigorous, scientific, and deeply humanistic study of mummification. Moving far beyond the ubiquitous Egyptian archetypes, the exhibition showcases the sheer cultural diversity of this practice, spanning over 9,000 years of human history. By bringing together over 60 mummified bodies and fragments from South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, the curation highlights the universal quest for eternity and the varied rituals societies have developed to navigate the boundary between life and death.
A central pillar of the exhibition is the presentation of nine unique individuals, including the world’s oldest artificial mummies from the Chinchorro culture of Chile and Peru, which predate Egyptian practices by millennia. These are displayed alongside the young queen of the Canary Islands and a child discovered in the Auvergne countryside in 1756. This selection underscores a significant historical significance, shifting the narrative from mummies as "objects" or "monsters" to mummies as biological archives. Through the lens of contemporary research—utilizing medical imaging and biochemistry—these remains provide invaluable insights into the health, diet, and social structures of ancient civilizations.
The exhibition is distinguished by a sensitive and ethical museography, overseen by curators such as Éloïse Quétel. Recognizing the potential for unease, the design employs semi-transparent veils and individual display cases that allow visitors to choose their level of engagement with the deceased. This approach fosters an emotional resonance rooted in respect and introspection rather than spectacle. The inclusion of contemporary artworks from Europe and the Canary Islands further enriches this dialogue, using modern artistic expression to echo the themes of corporeality, decomposition, and the persistence of memory.
Ultimately, this showcase at the Musée de l'Homme serves as a powerful meditation on our collective relationship with mortality. It successfully deconstructs popular culture stereotypes to reveal mummification as a sophisticated social and religious technology. By documenting the meticulous work of the museum’s conservation laboratories, the exhibition also reflects on the evolving responsibility of cultural institutions to preserve human dignity while advancing our understanding of the past. It is an immersive journey that challenges our modern taboos and invites a renewed perspective on the legacy of the human body.
Highlights
- Witness the world's oldest artificial mummies from the Chinchorro culture, predating Egyptian practices by thousands of years.
- Come face-to-face with the young queen of the Canary Islands, a rare example of the indigenous Guanche people's funerary traditions.
- Explore the interactive laboratory displays that reveal how medical imaging and biochemistry unlock the secrets of ancient lives.
- Observe the contemporary artworks from Europe and the Canary Islands that provide a modern perspective on mortality and memory.
- Navigate the ethical museography featuring semi-transparent veils that allow for a respectful and personalized viewing experience.
- Examine the remains of a child discovered in the Auvergne, providing a unique glimpse into European mummification from the 18th century.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mummies
Yes, access to the 'Mummies' temporary exhibition is generally included with the standard admission ticket to the Musee de l'Homme.
A thorough visit usually takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on how much time you spend reading the scientific displays.
Photography for personal use is permitted without flash, though visitors are asked to remain respectful given the nature of the human remains on display.
Yes, the exhibition is designed for a general audience, though parents should be aware that it features real human remains and may require some explanation for younger children.
No, this exhibition moves beyond Egyptian clichés to showcase mummification practices from various cultures, including the Chinchorro culture and the Canary Islands.
Yes, the Musee de l'Homme and the 'Mummies' exhibition gallery are fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility and those using wheelchairs.
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