Dragons: the exhibition between art and legends is on display at the Quai Branly Museum.

The Quai Branly Museum looks back on 5,000 years of stories and legends surrounding an iconic creature: dragons. Don't miss this unique exhibition exploring Chinese dragons, from November 18, 2025, to March 1, 2026.

We know them as winged creatures that breathe fire and wreak destruction. In Asia, however, dragons are divine and mythical beings, symbols of wealth, knowledge, and wisdom. Asian dragons are a little different from their European counterparts, but they are just as present in the global imagination. In paintings and engravings, books and manga, in cinema and textile art, dragons have occupied a prominent place for thousands of years.

,the Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum , takesus on a fantastic journey to the origins of the Chinese dragon. We travel through 5,000 years of history and myths, from the Neolithic period to the present day, in pursuit of this legendary and magical creature.

The Dragons exhibition, on display from November 18, 2025, to March 1, 2026, brings together a selection of very different works, dating from the Neolithic period to the present day. Jade ornaments, ceramics and vases, jewelry, traditional clothing, theater accessories, religious objects, paintings, manuscripts... Dragons have crossed centuries and dynasties, becoming increasingly powerful.

Unlike European dragons, the mythical creatures of Asia are associated with the sky, rain, and fertility. They connect the earth and the sky, bringing the blessings of the sky to mankind. Dragons are therefore primarily creatures linked to deities and religion.

Beliefs have evolved over the centuries. Dragons are endowed with different powers: they are symbols of transformation, masters of nature... Very quickly, political and spiritual figures in China seized upon this imagery. Thus, the dragon is the official symbol ofthe emperor in China. It is also the guardian of Buddha and the mount of immortals in Taoist doctrine.

Throughout history and in everyday life, dragons remain a very present figure in China. Thanks to popular culture and art, dragons have traveled around the world and continue to spread their legend.

The exhibition at the Quai Branly Museum brings together some amazing pieces: you can admire ancient objects that are incredibly well preserved, pieces steeped in history that tell legends and stories of Chinese culture. Lovers of dragons and Asian art will delight in this historical journey. It should be noted that the exhibition focuses on the historical and cultural aspects of dragons: modern representations, particularly in films or books, are not covered.

The exhibition is rounded off with an interactive experience: thanks to a motion recognition system, you can "fly" like a dragon in a digitized Chinese painting.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.