Exposition Maternités : archéologie de la figure maternelle

Le Chronographe and Inrap explore motherhood and the place it has held through the latest archaeological discoveries.

The Maternités exhibition promises to be a unique experience, intersecting science, history and contemporary issues. It invites every visitor to explore this universal theme from a fresh perspective and discover how archaeology can shed light on the realities of motherhood across the ages.

Three main themes to explore motherhood:

• The maternal body: revealing its understanding, as well as historical attempts to control fertility.
• The experience of childbirth: plunging into the intimacy of women in labour and midwives down the ages.
• Perinatal care: discovering the care given to newborns, as well as the reality of grief in the event of early death.

A portrait gallery to conclude:

The exhibition ends with a gallery of portraits of mothers, real or symbolic, questioning the maternal function between vital importance and social subordination, and the place of contemporary women in society.

A publication to extend the experience:

To accompany this exhibition, an illustrated book will offer an extension of the themes covered and an in-depth look at archaeological research related to motherhood.

A rich cultural programme of workshops for all audiences, lectures, guided tours and original mediation events accompanies the exhibition.

Exhibition from 10 April 2026 to 10 January 2027: Wednesday to Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm (closed on public holidays)

In July and August 2026: Tuesday to Sunday from 2 pm to 7 pm (open on 14 July and 15 August 2026)