Leonora Carrington: the dreamlike exhibition of a Surrealist artist at the Luxembourg Museum, photos

The Luxembourg Museum highlights the work of Leonora Carrington, a painter and sculptor who challenges conventions in the art world. The exhibition runs from February 18th to July 19th, 2026.

Her very unique world might not appeal to everyone, but it's precisely this distinctive singularity that makes her an exceptional artist. The Luxembourg Museum invites us to rediscover her work during the first half of 2026.

From England to Mexico via Italy, France, and the United States, from surrealism to esotericism and feminism: Leonora Carrington led a surprising life, free from the rules and constraints of her time. Discover the life and, above all, the works of this special artist with the retrospective exhibition at the Musée du Luxembourg, on display from February 18 to July 19, 2026.

Less well-known than Frida Kahlo or André Breton, Leonora Carrington is nonetheless regarded by her peers as just as significant an artist. An accomplished painter and sculptor of British origin, she made a lasting impact on the art world with her distinctive style and unconventional creations that challenge artistic norms. The Luxembourg Museum describes her as a "Woman of Vitruvius," embodying a model of harmony and innovation for the 20th century.

Leonora Carrington was herself in search of harmony: her work explored the union between human and animal, between masculine and feminine. These creations draw inspiration from mythology, religious beliefs, spiritual movements, and esotericism, blending natural forces and mystical powers to breathe life into this vibrant, fantastical universe.

The artist's paintings are closely associated with the Surrealist movement: visitors will find collage-like compositions, bold colors, hybrid characters, and powerful symbolism. For this exhibition, the museum has brought together 126 works that showcase the fascinating evolution of this extraordinary artist.

What Leonora Carrington paints is her life, her experiences. She draws inspiration from her travels, her encounters, her search for self-discovery, and her curiosity about the world. She emigrated multiple times—fleeing World War II or escaping internment in a psychiatric hospital. These traumatic events lend a profound depth and seriousness to her work. Love and the cycle of life also shape her worldview: through her motherhood, she finds a renewed creative spark.

In both her art and her beliefs, the artist exemplifies a strong avant-garde spirit. A feminist and environmental advocate, her striking modernity positions her as an artist—and a woman—far ahead of her time.

Leonora Carrington crafted her own unique universe, populated by creatures inspired by English folklore, Catholic saints, and Buddhist teachings. She embraced and integrated mystical practices such as occultism, tarot, and spiritism. From England to Mexico, and from Catholic faith to esoteric traditions, the artist absorbed a wide range of beliefs to forge a distinctive world inhabited by hybrid, magical beings.

As visitors progress through the exhibition, they encounter an increasingly strange, dreamlike universe. Carrington's paintings evoke both dreams and nightmares, featuring palettes that range from dark and moody to strikingly bold, with lighting effects that draw the eye and an unexpectedly eclectic use of color. Each piece feels like it has been plucked straight from a dream: whimsical, a tad eccentric, yet composed with its own unique internal logic.

Each painting tells its story and is imbued with symbolism. To truly grasp their meaning, it’s often necessary to read the accompanying plaques and room texts: Leonora Carrington doesn’t reveal her universe easily. In fact, her work isn’t for all viewers. Enthusiasts of esotericism, spirituality, or the uncanny will likely appreciate her artistry, while those who favor more traditional or naturalistic art might find it challenging to be fully immersed in her unique world.

Leonora Carrington is a , an unusual discovery to experience in Paris at the start of the year. Treat yourself to a truly otherworldly encounter at the Luxembourg Museum...

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