Gold, silver and bronze: discover the history of the Olympic medal at La Monnaie de Paris

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Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Published on June 17, 2024 at 04:30 p.m.
La Monnaie de Paris revisits the history of the Olympic medal with the exhibition D'or, d'argent et de bronze, on view from March 27 to November 3, 2024.

They're about to become a hot topic of discussion the world over: the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, and especially the medals that reward the athletes, are attracting all eyes. Every country is cheering on its athletes, hoping that they will bring home as many medals as possible. Symbols of victory, medals are at the heart of every sports fan's preoccupations... And for the Monnaie de Paris.

D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411124616D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411124616D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411124616D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411124616

The cultural institution is taking advantage of the Olympic Games to tell us all about the history of these Olympic medals, big and small. In a new exhibition, on show from March 27 to November 3, 2024, the museum explains everything there is to know about these very special awards. Discover the D'or, d'argent et de bronze exhibition now.

At the first modern Games, in 1896, only the first two winners of an event received a medal: the first in silver, the second in copper. It wasn't until the 1904 Games that the three-medal system - gold, silver and bronze - was adopted. La Monnaie de Paris recounts this long history, while revealing the specific features of these awards.

D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411125051D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411125051D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411125051D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411125051

Each edition of the Games has seen the emergence of its own design, making the medals unique - although they must comply with specific rules set down by the IOC.

The museum takes a look at each of these medals, including the first to be made at the Monnaie de Paris. But that's not all. The tour also explores the symbols behind these decorations, and the meaning they hold for athletes, companies and sports fans alike.

D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411125143D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411125143D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411125143D'or, d'argent et de bronze : la Monnaie de Paris raconte l'histoire de la médaille olympique - IMG20240411125143

Summer or winter games, ecological considerations, symbols of victory and patriotism: every detail is thought out and adapted to the concerns of the time and the country. La Monnaie de Paris explains each evolution, while unveiling some astonishing historical pieces, such as posters, diplomas and objets d'art created for the Olympic Games.

A must-see exhibition, to help you appreciate the medals that will soon be won by our French athletes!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From March 27, 2024 to November 3, 2024

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    11, quai Conti
    75006 Paris 6

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    Prices
    Moins de 26 ans: Free
    Tarif réduit: €8
    Plein tarif: €12

    Official website
    www.monnaiedeparis.fr

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