Dreams invite themselves to the Musée Marmottan Monet. From October 9, 2025 to March 1, 2026, the Paris museum presents L'Empire du Sommeil, a major exhibition devoted to the representation of sleep in painting and the arts. Curated by Laura Bossi, neurologist and science historian, and Sylvie Carlier, director of the museum's collections, the exhibition explores the links between art, science and psychoanalysis. It highlights the symbolic, spiritual and allegorical dimensions of sleep, between secular and sacred iconography, revealing how this universal theme has inspired artists through the centuries.
Covering mainly the 19th and 20th centuries, this exhibition puts 130 works, divided into eight thematic sections and produced between 1800 and 1920, into perspective with significant creations from Antiquity, the Middle Ages, Modern Times and the contemporary period. Recurring themes such as"the sleep of the innocent","the dream of biblical tales", or"the ambivalence between rest and eternal rest" are addressed, true motifs in the collective imagination. Theexhibition also deals with specific subjects such as mesmerism, hypnosis, sleep disorders and their representation in medical iconography, or the sleep/death link in iconography, highlighting their appropriation by various artists.
A special section of theexhibition is devoted to the bedroom, an intimate and symbolic space. Through the works presented, visitors can discover the habits and customs associated with this environment, as well as the philosophical and sociological dimensions associated with it. An in-depth analysis of how sleep has shaped and inspired art through the ages. See you at the Musée Marmottan Monet!
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Dates and Opening Time
From October 9, 2025 to March 1, 2026
Location
Musée Marmottan-Monet
2, rue Louis Boilly
75116 Paris 16
Prices
Tarif réduit: €9
Plein Tarif: €14
Official website
www.marmottan.fr
Booking
Check the prices of this ticketing service
More information
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm (last admission 5 pm). Nocturne Thursdays until 9 pm (last admission 8 pm).























