L'Empire du Sommeil: when dreams are exhibited at the Musée Marmottan Monet - our photos

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Published by Laurent de Sortiraparis · Photos by Laurent de Sortiraparis · Updated on October 8, 2025 at 03:49 p.m.
Calling all art-loving dreamers! From October 9, 2025 to March 1, 2026, the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris presents L'Empire du Sommeil, a groundbreaking exhibition devoted to the representation of sleep in art. From Antiquity to the 20th century, the exhibition explores the place of sleep between symbolism, science and psychoanalysis, through major works from French and international collections.

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.

L’Empire du Sommeil : quand le rêve s’expose au Musée Marmottan Monet - IMG 9002L’Empire du Sommeil : quand le rêve s’expose au Musée Marmottan Monet - IMG 9002L’Empire du Sommeil : quand le rêve s’expose au Musée Marmottan Monet - IMG 9002L’Empire du Sommeil : quand le rêve s’expose au Musée Marmottan Monet - IMG 9002

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.

L’Empire du Sommeil : quand le rêve s’expose au Musée Marmottan Monet - IMG 8979L’Empire du Sommeil : quand le rêve s’expose au Musée Marmottan Monet - IMG 8979L’Empire du Sommeil : quand le rêve s’expose au Musée Marmottan Monet - IMG 8979L’Empire du Sommeil : quand le rêve s’expose au Musée Marmottan Monet - IMG 8979

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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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From October 9, 2025 to March 1, 2026

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    Location

    2, rue Louis Boilly
    75116 Paris 16

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    Prices
    Tarif réduit: €9
    Plein Tarif: €14

    Official website
    www.marmottan.fr

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    More information
    Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm (last admission 5 pm). Nocturne Thursdays until 9 pm (last admission 8 pm).

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