Exhibition "The Traveling Thread" at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac from Sept 30, 2025 to March 8, 2026

Dive into The Traveling Thread at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. This exhibition brings together ancient textiles and creations by Sheila Hicks, in a unique dialogue with Monique Lévi-Strauss. Between Andean traditions and contemporary art, discover a fascinating journey where weaving becomes language, memory, and visual poetry.

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Combined Ticket (Plateau + Garden Gallery)

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Collections Plateau
Galerie Jardin: discover the Picasso Primitif exhibition (for more information, see the practical details at the bottom of the page)

An unprecedented dialogue between tradition and modernity: ancient Andean textiles alongside contemporary creations by Sheila Hicks.
Two major figures celebrated: Sheila Hicks, pioneer of contemporary textile art, and Monique Lévi-Strauss, historian of decorative arts.
About twenty Andean pieces from the museum’s collections, reflecting centuries of craftsmanship and cultural memory.
Around thirty works by Sheila Hicks, immersive installations and poetic textile sculptures.
A monumental welcoming artwork by Sheila Hicks, immediately immersing visitors in the expressive power of thread.
A prestigious setting: the Atelier Martine Aublet at the musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, just steps from the Eiffel Tower.
An exhibition accessible to all: adapted facilities for visitors with disabilities and inclusive routes.
Thursday late openings until 10 p.m., to enjoy a unique evening experience.
On view from September 30, 2025, to March 8, 2026, a rare and temporary opportunity in Paris.
A sensory and cultural journey connecting cultures across time and space.
A must-see event of the Paris cultural season, at the crossroads of art, memory, and textile innovation.

Valid for 2 years and undated - Skip-the-line tickets

€14

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What to expect

Starting September 30, 2025, the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac will open its doors to a fascinating new exhibition: The Traveling Thread. This exceptional event offers a deep dive into textile know-how, creating a dialogue between ancient pieces from the museum’s collections and the contemporary creations of internationally renowned artist Sheila Hicks. Designed as a true journey through threads and materials, this exhibition invites you to discover how tradition and modernity intertwine to give birth to a universal artistic language.

A must-see event around textile arts

An inspiring duo: Sheila Hicks and Monique Lévi-Strauss

The exhibition pays tribute to two major figures in the world of textile art. Sheila Hicks, an American artist pioneering the exploration of fibers, has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of textile creation. At the same time, Monique Lévi-Strauss, a passionate historian, has devoted her research to decorative arts and the richness of non-Western fabrics. Their friendship of over sixty years, nourished by intellectual exchanges and mutual discoveries, forms the guiding thread of this artistic adventure. This unique dialogue between a creator and a scholar gives the exhibition a human and sensitive dimension, transcending the mere presentation of works.

Highlighting historical pieces

The Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac holds one of the richest collections of non-European textiles in the world. In The Traveling Thread, about twenty carefully selected Andean pieces reveal the finesse of traditional techniques: weaving, knotting, twisting, and braiding. These ancient works testify to the creativity and craftsmanship of artisans who, for centuries, have used thread as a medium of memory and a vehicle of cultural identity. The selection showcases the diversity of patterns, colors, and techniques, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a true history of textiles.

The power of contemporary creation

Opposite these heritage pieces, around thirty works by Sheila Hicks establish an unprecedented dialogue between past and present. The artist, known for her monumental installations and material explorations, rethinks thread as a living material capable of evoking emotions and reflections. Her creative freedom and ability to transform fibers into poetic sculptures give the exhibition a decidedly contemporary dimension. Visitors can discover immersive installations that challenge our perception of textiles, halfway between art, design, and architecture.

A monumental work welcoming visitors

Right at the entrance of the Plateau des Collections, a large-scale installation by Sheila Hicks immediately captures attention. This monumental work acts as a symbolic gateway to the exhibition, offering a striking preview of the expressive power of thread. It perfectly illustrates how textiles can transcend their utilitarian function to become an aesthetic experience in their own right.

An experience accessible to all

The Traveling Thread has been designed to welcome a broad audience. Whether you are a contemporary art enthusiast, passionate about textile traditions, or simply curious and eager to discover, this exhibition will charm you with its richness and diversity. Moreover, the museum is committed to making the event accessible to everyone: adapted facilities are provided for visitors with motor, visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities. Guided tours and French sign language translations are also offered, ensuring an inclusive experience.

Practical information to organize your visit

The exhibition takes place at the Atelier Martine Aublet, located within the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, just steps from the Eiffel Tower.

Dates: from September 30, 2025, to March 8, 2026.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Thursdays, the museum offers late opening until 10 p.m. Closed weekly on Mondays.
Prices: full price ticket is €14, reduced price available at €11 for certain categories (students, job seekers, etc.).
Access: the museum is easily accessible by public transport, with many bus and metro lines serving the area.

Why book your tickets in advance?

Due to the anticipated enthusiasm for this unprecedented exhibition, it is strongly recommended to book your tickets online. This allows you not only to avoid queues but also to guarantee your entry on the date and time of your choice. Booking in advance ensures a smooth and comfortable visit, ideal for fully enjoying the experience. Weekends and school holidays attract many visitors, making early booking almost essential.

An exceptional setting: the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

Visiting The Traveling Thread is also an opportunity to rediscover one of Paris’s most emblematic museums. Dedicated to the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac is renowned for its ambitious exhibitions and immersive scenography. Its bold architecture, designed by Jean Nouvel, and lush gardens make it a unique place to visit. After exploring the exhibition, you can extend the experience by wandering through the permanent collections or enjoying the museum’s relaxation areas.

A sensory and cultural journey not to be missed

The Traveling Thread is not just an exhibition: it is an invitation to reflect on the universal value of thread, its role in transmitting knowledge, and its ability to connect cultures across time and space. Each piece on display, whether ancient or contemporary, tells a story and evokes emotion. This artistic journey is a true sensory experience, where colors, textures, and shapes respond to each other in a poetic dialogue.

Conclusion: book now

By bringing together textile heritage and contemporary creation, The Traveling Thread offers a rare and inspiring journey that will appeal to both art lovers and newcomers. Accessible, rich, and moving, this exhibition stands out as one of the season’s major cultural events in Paris. To not miss out and fully live this artistic adventure, book your tickets today for the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac.

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Common questions

What is the exhibition Le fil voyageur?

It is an artistic encounter between traditional textiles from the Andes and contemporary works by Sheila Hicks, presented at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac.

Where is the exhibition held?

The exhibition is installed in the Atelier Martine Aublet, a space dedicated to temporary exhibitions at the heart of the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris.

Who are the key figures of this exhibition?

The exhibition is driven by the artist Sheila Hicks and historian Monique Lévi-Strauss, whose friendship and exchanges around textile arts are central to the project.

What can visitors see in the exhibition?

Visitors discover about twenty ancient pieces from the museum’s collections, displayed alongside around thirty contemporary textile creations by Sheila Hicks.

Is there a monumental work to discover?

Yes, a large-scale installation welcomes visitors at the entrance of the Plateau des Collections, illustrating the powerful dialogue between heritage and contemporary art.

What crafts are highlighted?

The exhibition explores various textile techniques such as weaving, knotting, twisting, braiding, and wrapping.

Who is the exhibition for?

It is aimed at all audiences: art lovers, the curious, families, and enthusiasts of heritage or contemporary creation.

Is the exhibition accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, it is adapted for visitors with motor, visual, auditory, or mental disabilities, with specific support measures (including French Sign Language).

Who is the curator of the exhibition?

The curatorship is led by Isaline Saunier, a specialist in the museum’s textile collections.

Why shouldn’t you miss Le fil voyageur?

Because it offers a rare immersion into the textile world, where ancestral traditions and modern creations intertwine to tell a universal story of thread and memory.