MC. Escher: a fun retrospective exhibition of optical illusions at the Monnaie de Paris

You may not know his name, but you have surely seen, or even studied, the works ofMaurits Cornelis Escher, known for his engravings with astonishing perspectives. From November 15, 2025, to March 1, 2026, the Monnaie de Paris is hosting the first major French retrospective of the artist's work as part of a European tour, with many of the master of optical illusion's iconic pieces on display for close observation.

Born in Leeuwarden in 1898, M.C. Escher built an astonishing graphic universe far removed from normal perspective, with visual paradoxes, impossible scale games, and upside-down architecture. This exhibition traces his artistic career and the techniques he used, from his early days and travels in Italy to his most famous creations, such as Relativity (1953),Hand Holding a Reflecting Sphere (1935), andSky and Water(1938).

In addition to his well-known works, previously unseen objects will be on display, such as Escher's preparatory drawings for banknotes that were never issued and commemorative coins minted to mark the centenary of his birth. This exhibition offers a deep dive into the mathematical mysteries he played with through his metamorphoses and dizzying, almost poetic perspectives, which have inspired many contemporary works. 

To make his work accessible to everyone, children and adults alike, the Monnaie de Paris offers a playful scenography, with explanatory videos, interactive modules, and devices around the works, to reveal to the public the secrets of their construction and the illusions that we observe with wonder, following in the footsteps of this cult artist. 

We are immersed in the heart of his most famous illusions, sometimes pressing a button to enter the reflective sphere or climbing onto an inclined platform that gives the impression of changing size, not to mention looking at the vase that changes its face!

Although the exhibition is a little short, it allows visitors to discover this artist who is known to everyone, as his works have been used so much in popular culture, but whose name is often unknown to the general public. Visitors will learn more about his inspirations and his life, while enjoying immersive and educational settings that allow younger visitors to more easily understand these trompe l'oeil illusions and have a good time at the exhibition without getting bored!