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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
