Plumes from Paradise Journeys of an Extraordinary Bird from New Guinea

From the forests of New Guinea to the paintings of the great masters of the Northern School, a fascinating journey in the footsteps of birds of paradise, flamboyant creatures that have captivated the world for five centuries. This exhibition traces the circulation of feathers and representations of birds of paradise, enchanting birds native to the lush forests of New Guinea. Objects of desire, contemplation and inspiration, these spectacular creatures have travelled across eras and continents. Bringing together nearly 190 works - jewellery, paintings, stuffed specimens, fashion items and accessories, objets d'art and illustrated works - the exhibition combines perspectives from natural history, art, ethnology, fashion and ecology. It sheds light on how these birds have been collected, represented, admired and transformed over time in Oceania, Asia and Europe. Designed in collaboration with scientists, academics and artists from New Guinea, the exhibition offers contemporary local interpretations. It invites us to rethink our relationship with living things and knowledge, taking into account the pressing issues of this century, and to discover these dazzling feathers with a fresh perspective.