Vive la mariée !

Marriage is a pivotal moment in social and intimate life across the world. In the Maghreb, it is celebrated on a grand scale, bringing families and communities together in collective joy. One of the Arabic words for marriage is farah, meaning ‘joy’.

"Vive la mariée!" explores this evolving social ritual through an exceptional selection of around 40 historic costumes and pieces of jewellery, shown in France for the first time. Dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, the works come from Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian collections. They celebrate the bride and the women around her, while revealing regional and national traditions, shared Muslim and Jewish practices, and the rich cultural heritage of the Maghreb. The exhibition explores the evolution of dress, wedding rituals, symbolism and protective functions, as well as the important role of women in preparing and accompanying the bride.

These historic objects are placed in dialogue with works by 27 contemporary artists, mainly women, from the Maghreb and its diasporas. Their individual perspectives explore the stages and rituals of marriage, considering how traditions endure, evolve and reflect contemporary societies.

Presented as part of Saison Méditerranée, the exhibition combines historic objects, contemporary art, archives and immersive displays, bringing together the tangible and intangible dimensions of wedding culture, from clothing and jewellery to music, dance and food.