"Rêveries de pierres" at the École des Arts Joailliers: an exhibition of a precious collection of stones

If you enjoy being captivated by the beauty of nature or are simply looking for a unique outing, don’t miss the exhibition "Rêveries de pierres: Poetry and Minerals by Roger Caillois". It’s taking place at L’École des Arts Joailliers, right in the heart of Paris, close to iconic spots like the Opéra and Grand Rex. There, you’ll explore an extraordinary and captivating collection curated by a writer with a deep passion for minerals.

Discover Roger Caillois' collection

This man was Roger Caillois, a renowned writer, poet, and member of the French Academy (elected in 1971). A keen observer of the natural world, he saw minerals as landscapes, silhouettes, or figures that seemed to spontaneously emerge from the material itself. Over more than 25 years, he amassed a collection of over a thousand mineral specimens.
For the first time, nearly 200 rare and exquisite pieces from his personal collection—some never before seen by the public—are now on display at The School of Jewelry Arts, where they are contextualized alongside his writings.

As you begin your visit, you’ll instantly notice the remarkable sword belonging to Roger Caillois, a unique piece crafted by jeweler Jean Vendome. Purely artistic, this sword naturally finds its place in the exhibition. More than a mere honorary symbol, this custom-designed creation embodies the writer’s personal universe and showcases his deep passion for gemstones. A dedicated minerals enthusiast and collector, Roger Caillois wished for several stones to be set at various points along the blade.

During the exhibition, visitors will also be drawn to the most exquisite minerals from the collection. For Roger Caillois, each stone deserved close inspection, treated as a unique object open to interpretation. The stones are displayed alongside his writings, illustrating how Roger Caillois drew inspiration from the natural patterns and shapes of minerals. Some of these texts are rare and previously unpublished, recently rediscovered by François Farges and now compiled in the book Pierres anagogiques.

Visit the L'École des Arts Joailliers website to reserve your spot

Experience nature from a new perspective through the beauty of stones

Throughout your visit, you'll also encounter a curated selection of minerals showcasing astonishing colors and shapes, originating from diverse regions around the world. Roger Caillois was indeed a passionate traveler—having lived in places like Argentina—so many of his stones come from his journeys, including destinations such as Patagonia, Japan, and China. Each specimen captivates the eye with natural patterns that sometimes resemble sketches or landscapes. For Roger Caillois, nature's creations—unintended masterpieces—are true works of art.

One question will undoubtedly cross your mind: do these stones represent natural elements (landscapes, figures, etc.) or are they just the result of chance? For Roger Caillois, each stone seems to contain a world. Here, he echoes the thinking of Leonardo da Vinci, who also saw elements such as mountains, cities, and castles in walls and stones. Feel free to take a closer look at the stones on display here and form your own opinion.

Visit the L'École des Arts Joailliers website to reserve your spot

Discover the poetry of Roger Caillois

In the great hall, the exploration of minerals continues, notably with the last agate purchased by the author. It is accompanied by his last writings, penned shortly before his death in 1978.

Inside, you'll find the vast majority of the 200 specimens showcased throughout the exhibit. This is where his deep passion for stones and minerals truly comes to life. It’s a passion that even inspired a one-of-a-kind poetry, fueling his writings as early as 1959. Among his many essays, this fascination shines brightest in Writing of the Stones (1970), his most renowned work. Several excerpts from his major opus are available for reading and listening.

This link between stones and poetry gives meaning to the title of the exhibition, which stands out for the richness of its content. It offers an original way of looking at stones through the writings of Roger Caillois. Today, his long-forgotten texts are being shown for the first time alongside the minerals that inspired them. The exhibition's curator, François Farges, a renowned mineralogist, professor at the Natural History Museum, and scientific director of the gem and art collections, has designed a clear and immersive journey that provides a better understanding of the link between natural sciences, writing, and emotion.

The visit takes on a unique rhythm, fostering both discovery and contemplation. As you move through the galleries, not only will you encounter stunning stones, but you'll also have the opportunity to read or listen to passages from key texts by Roger Caillois, gaining insight into his sources of inspiration — the minerals.

Discover the full cultural program here!

A must-see event for the curious, nature enthusiasts, or simply anyone looking for a unique cultural break in Paris. Take the opportunity to explore its stunning setting: the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau. Be sure to spend time admiring the intricate moldings in the ballroom and the beautiful glass roof.

To enhance the experience, the exhibition also features activities such as creative workshops for both adults and children and public lectures, available to everyone until March 2026.