LENS.- The Louvre-Lens Museum invites visitors to explore the deep connections between art and exile with a multidisciplinary program crafted in collaboration with local communities. From live performances and workshops to sensory experiences and exhibitions, the season highlights the universal and evolving nature of exile throughout history and its expression in art.

"EXILS – Regards d’artistes": A Journey Through Art and History

The centerpiece of the program is the exhibition EXILS – Regards d’artistes, running through January 2025. Curated by Dominique de Font-Réaulx, the exhibition examines the theme of exile across centuries, weaving together nearly 200 artworks and objects. Visitors will encounter works from ancient myths and foundational narratives to contemporary art, illustrating how exile shapes and reflects the human experience.

Through themes of departure, uprooting, encounters, and memory, the exhibition offers a sensitive exploration of exile as both loss and renewal. Works by artists like Marc Chagall, Gustave Courbet, and Kimsooja, alongside contemporary creators such as Yan Pei-Ming and Khaled Dawwa, delve into the emotions and symbolism of exile. Each piece speaks to the resilience and creativity born from displacement.

A Community-Centered Approach

The exhibition features objects and testimonies collected from local residents in partnership with the École du Louvre and community associations. These contributions create a poignant link between the museum’s collection and personal stories of migration, fostering a deeper connection between the museum and its visitors.

Visitors can listen to the voices of participants sharing the histories behind these personal artifacts, from heirlooms brought from afar to symbols of cultural preservation. This collaborative effort amplifies the relevance of the exhibition, bridging personal and collective narratives.

Engaging Programs to Enrich Perspectives

The museum offers an array of activities to complement the exhibition, including sensory tours designed with local residents, performances by actors and musicians, and interactive workshops. These initiatives encourage visitors to engage with the theme of exile through multiple senses and perspectives, enriching their understanding of the artworks on display.

Sunday sensory tours, developed in partnership with women from Lens’ neighborhoods, provide an immersive experience through touch, sound, scent, and language, creating new ways to connect with art and its stories. Additional events, such as live performances and conferences, create bridges between past and present, inviting dialogue on how exile shapes culture and identity.

A Dialogue Between Past and Present

The exhibition’s scenography, designed by Maciej Fiszer, underscores its thematic and historical depth. An innovative star-shaped layout encourages visitors to navigate the artworks freely, fostering dialogues between classical and contemporary pieces. A communal space invites visitors to pause, reflect, read, and engage with the narratives presented.

A Timeless Reflection on Exile

By linking ancient epics with modern migrations, EXILS – Regards d’artistes offers a comprehensive and empathetic view of exile’s role in shaping art and humanity. Through this profound exploration, the Louvre-Lens continues its mission to connect art with contemporary issues, ensuring that the voices of the displaced are seen, heard, and remembered.