I Love: by Marie Khouri
- Cité Internationale de la Langue Française – Château de Villers-Cotterêts, Villers-Cotterêts
24 Jan - 30 Aug 2026
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The temporary exhibition The School of Life: Freedom, Equality, Invisibility, presented at the Cité internationale de la langue française within the historic Château de Villers-Cotterêts, offers a poignant exploration of the often-overlooked crisis of illiteracy in France. As a curator, I find that this showcase serves as a vital extension of the Cité’s mission; while the permanent galleries celebrate the majesty and evolution of the French language, this exhibition turns its gaze toward those who remain on the margins of this linguistic heritage. By situating the struggle for literacy within the Cour des Offices, the exhibition underscores the fundamental tension between the ideals of the Republic and the lived reality of those denied the primary tool of social and political engagement.
The heart of the exhibition lies in the powerful lens of documentary photographer Jérémy Lempin. His work transcends mere reportage, capturing the profound emotional resonance of the daily lives of individuals navigating a world of signs they cannot decipher. Through Lempin’s sensitive portraiture, the abstract concept of invisibility is made visceral. These artworks do not merely document a social failing; they restore agency and dignity to their subjects, revealing the resilience required to survive in a society where the written word is the gatekeeper to both Freedom and Equality. The interplay between the grandiose Renaissance architecture of the castle and the intimate, often stark imagery of the photographs creates a dialogue that is both jarring and deeply moving.
Historically, this exhibition is significant for its location at the site where François I signed the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts in 1539, establishing French as the official language of law and administration. By confronting the contemporary reality of illiteracy in this exact cradle of the French language, the exhibition highlights a cyclical historical irony. It challenges the visitor to consider how language can be both a unifying force and a barrier to inclusion. The curatorial choice to focus on the "unseen" within such a symbolic "home of words" serves as a call to action, reminding us that the democratic promise of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité remains incomplete as long as a segment of the population remains linguistically disenfranchised.
Ultimately, The School of Life is an immersive journey into the vulnerability and strength of the human spirit. It asks us to reflect on our own relationship with language and the privileges we often take for granted. Beyond the aesthetic quality of Jérémy Lempin’s photography, the exhibition fosters a sense of collective responsibility. It concludes not just with a record of hardship, but with a testament to the transformative power of learning and the essential need for social recognition. This is a masterful curation that utilizes the weight of history to illuminate a pressing contemporary human rights issue, ensuring that those who have been made invisible are finally seen and heard.
Highlights
- Documentary photographer Jeremy Lempin presents a masterclass in social realism through a series of poignant images capturing the daily lives of those struggling with illiteracy.
- The exhibition is set within the stunning architectural backdrop of the Cour des Offices at the historic Château de Villers-Cotterêts.
- The collection explores the profound themes of Freedom, Equality, and Invisibility to expose the silent challenges faced by millions in modern France.
- Visitors can engage with powerful visual narratives that bridge the gap between historical literature and the contemporary human experience of language.
- Large-scale photographic prints offer an intimate look into the personal journeys of individuals striving for empowerment through the Cite internationale de la langue francaise.
Frequently Asked Questions about The School of Life: Freedom, Equality, Invisibility
Yes, access to the temporary exhibition 'The School of Life: Freedom, Equality, Invisibility' is typically included with your general admission ticket to the Cité internationale de la langue française.
Visitors generally spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour exploring Jeremy Lempin's poignant documentary photography and the accompanying narratives on illiteracy.
Photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted, but the use of flash and tripods is strictly prohibited to protect the artwork and maintain the exhibition's atmosphere.
While the exhibition is open to everyone, the themes of social realism and illiteracy are most impactful for adults and older children; however, the visual nature of the photography makes it accessible to a broad audience.
Yes, the gallery within the Château de Villers-Cotterêts hosting the exhibition is fully accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
The exhibition is presented in the Cour des Offices gallery space within the Cité internationale de la langue française at the Château de Villers-Cotterêts.
Cité Internationale de la Langue Française – Château de Villers-Cotterêts
- Villers-Cotterêts
Housed in the historic Château de Villers-Cotterêts near Paris, the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française offers a profound immersion into French culture through its interactive exhibitions and majestic Renaissance architecture. Explore 1,200 square meters of performance spaces, lush gardens, and curated displays tucked away in the serene Retz Forest.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The venue is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 and 18:30.
- The site remains closed every Monday and on specific public holidays.
- Final admission to the castle is permitted until 17:30, exactly one hour before closing.
Special Days
Admission is free for individuals under the age of 26 years old as well as for teachers and those with disabilities.
The venue is typically closed on Mondays and observes standard operating hours from 10:00 to 18:30 during the rest of the week.
How to get there
Located approximately 80 kilometers northeast of the city center, this majestic Renaissance castle is nestled on the edge of the historic Forest of Retz in the Picardy region. Despite its distance from central Paris, the venue remains remarkably accessible via a direct rail link, offering a scenic escape into the heart of French linguistic heritage.
- Train: Take the TER (Line SNCF Paris-Laon) from Gare du Nord directly to the Villers-Cotterêts station, with a travel time of approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
- Bus: From the Villers-Cotterêts station, take the Villéo Retzéo network Line D (direction La Ferté-Milon) or Line A (direction Bucherons) to the Château stop.
- Walking: The castle is a pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk from the Villers-Cotterêts train station via the town's main thoroughfares.
Directions
Other Exhibitions at Cité Internationale de la Langue Française – Château de Villers-Cotterêts
Don't miss the 2 other major exhibitions currently showing at Cité Internationale de la Langue Française – Château de Villers-Cotterêts during your visit to Villers-Cotterêts in 2026.
