Exhibition "Magellan, a Journey That Changed the World" National Maritime Museum from 10/22/2025

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Dive into Magellan’s incredible expedition through an immersive exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. A captivating visual adventure, combining historical accounts, large-scale animations, and bold scenography, retracing the first circumnavigation and its impact on our worldview.

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€15

Exhibition

Admission Ticket

A spectacular immersion into the first circumnavigation in history
A fascinating human adventure, full of achievements, dramas, and discoveries
Immersive scenography with large-format projections and unique animations
An educational path accessible to all audiences
A prestigious setting at the National Maritime Museum in the heart of Paris

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What to expect

At the heart of Paris, within the prestigious Palais de Chaillot, an exceptional human and maritime adventure awaits you. Through the exhibition “Magellan, a Journey That Changed the World”, the Musée national de la Marine invites you to immerse yourself fully in one of the most significant expeditions in human history. This unique cultural event transports you to the dawn of the 16th century, where a voyage begins that would forever transform our perception of the world.

🌍 Follow in Magellan’s footsteps, at the heart of a journey that reshaped history

⚓ An unprecedented odyssey to experience in full

More than a simple exhibition, this experience plunges you into the heart of the voyage initiated by Ferdinand Magellan in 1519. The goal of this bold navigator? To reach the Spice Islands by sailing westward—an idea revolutionary for its time. The crew left Seville with five ships and nearly 240 men on board. Three years later, only one ship returned, carrying just 18 survivors. Magellan himself would never see Spain again, having perished along the way. Yet their achievement would forever mark history: the first circumnavigation of the globe.

This adventure is told through an immersive journey designed to spark curiosity, wonder, and reflection. The exhibition is aimed at a wide audience: history enthusiasts, families, children, lovers of discovery, and naturally curious visitors—everyone will find something to nourish both imagination and knowledge.

🎥 A spectacular scenography for total immersion

Far from traditional museum displays, the Musée national de la Marine has opted for a bold, sensory staging. Co-produced with Camera Lucida and Lucid Realities, the exhibition draws inspiration from the animated series The Incredible Journey of Magellan (broadcast on ARTE), offering a captivating narrative that blends fiction and reality.

Through monumental projections, carefully recreated sets, original animated drawings, and an immersive soundscape, you will experience the journey as if you were part of it. You can feel the storms, the doubts, the physical and moral trials, as well as the moments of glory and wonder. The visual work is driven by illustrations from the REMEMBERS studio (Ugo Bienvenu, Kevin Manach…) and a scenography imagined by Brigitte Poupart, enhanced by the graphic talent of Justine Gaxotte.

🧠 An accessible, educational, and fascinating exhibition

What sets this exhibition apart is its commitment to clearly conveying complex knowledge. The geopolitical motivations behind the voyage, the scientific and cartographic discoveries, and the encounters with previously unknown civilizations are explained with rigor and clarity. The exhibition also explores its darker aspects: internal tensions, human losses, ethical dilemmas, and cultural clashes.

Both children and adults will be moved by this sensitive approach, which highlights the courage, flaws, and crucial decisions of the expedition. It is also a rare opportunity to reflect on our relationship with the world, discovery, and the great explorations of history.

📍 Practical information: what you need to know before your visit

The exhibition “Magellan, a Journey That Changed the World” takes place in Paris, within the prestigious setting of the Musée national de la Marine, recently renovated and reopened to the public. Exact address:
Palais de Chaillot, 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris.

Dates: from October 22, 2025 to February 15, 2026, for a limited four-month run.
Opening days and hours:

Open Wednesday to Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays
Late opening every Thursday until 10:00 p.m.
👉 Last entry one hour before closing.

An on-site restaurant is open throughout the day, allowing visitors to extend their experience in a pleasant setting with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

The exhibition is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, including motor, visual, auditory, psychological, and intellectual impairments. An adapted route, specific devices, and visual supports are provided to ensure an inclusive experience for all.

💶 Admission and booking

Ticket prices for the exhibition will be available online very soon. The official ticket office will open shortly, and early booking is strongly recommended, as the event is expected to be highly popular.

As a general rule, museum pricing is affordable, with reduced rates for students, children, and job seekers, and free admission for children under 6. Special packages for school groups and professional groups will also be available upon request.

🛎️ Why book early?

To secure your preferred visiting time, especially during school holidays and weekends
To benefit from discounted rates or combined tickets with other museum spaces
Because the exhibition is temporary and exceptional, with no extension planned
To enjoy a unique, multisensory experience, accessible to all audiences

✅ Don’t miss this must-see event

Discovering the world through the eyes of those who crossed it without maps or certainty—this is what the exhibition offers. “Magellan, a Journey That Changed the World” is a rare, profound, and beautifully orchestrated cultural experience. Whether you are passionate about history, a lover of visual art, or simply seeking escape, this event is made for you.

Schedule

- On Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm

- On Thursday: 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm

Embark as a group on Magellan’s incredible adventure!

Are you organizing an event for a group of more than 10 people?

Dive together into an immersive exhibition at the heart of maritime history. A captivating journey for schools, companies, or associations. Fill out the form and experience a unique cultural adventure!

Feel free to contact us at +33 1 48 74 05 10 for any requests.

Common questions

What is the theme of the exhibition “Magellan, a Voyage That Changed the World”?

This exhibition retraces the epic journey of Magellan and his crew through an immersive reconstruction of the first circumnavigation, a major event in world maritime history.

Where is the exhibition held?

It takes place at the National Maritime Museum, located in the Palais de Chaillot, at 17 Place du Trocadéro, Paris 16ᵉ.

Is the exhibition suitable for children?

Yes, it is suitable for all audiences, including children, thanks to an interactive route and engaging visual animations.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

The venue is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility and also offers facilities adapted to various disabilities.

How much time should be planned for the visit?

The average visit duration is estimated between 1h30 and 2h, depending on the time spent on animations and interactive exhibits.

What types of content can be discovered during the visit?

The exhibition combines scenic sets, animated drawings, immersive projections, and documented narrative accounts.

Is the exhibition based on real events?

Yes, it relies on historical documents, notably the writings of chronicler Antonio Pigafetta, and faithfully reconstructs the events of the expedition.

What was Magellan’s role in this expedition?

Magellan initiated the project to sail around America to reach the Spice Islands. Although he died before the voyage was completed, his expedition enabled the first circumnavigation of the globe.

What makes this exhibition unique?

It offers a rare immersive experience, combining art, history, and technology, to plunge visitors into the reality of a 16ᵗʰ-century maritime adventure.

Is there a place to eat on site?

Yes, a restaurant welcomes visitors throughout the museum’s opening hours, without interruption of service.

Is the exhibition suitable for school or professional groups?

Absolutely. Group or guided visits can be organized, notably for schools or corporate committees.

What will I take away from this visit?

A better understanding of the global impact of this voyage, the navigation conditions of the time, and an enriched perspective on the first cultural and geopolitical contacts prompted by this expedition.