Weddings - Farah: a Unique Cultural Exhibition at the Arab World Institute

For many, a wedding is the most unforgettable day of their life. To make sure it’s perfect, couples often go all out — sparing no expense and putting in maximum effort. From the dress and flowers to the food, music, dancing, and guests, a wedding encompasses a whole world of customs and traditions, each more intricate than the last.

The Arab World Institute offers us a glimpse into the world of weddings, with an exclusive exhibition running from September 29, 2026, to January 31, 2027.

This exhibition showcases around forty costumes and pieces dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. Never before displayed in France, these outfits highlight wedding traditions from various regions of Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. The event particularly celebrates women: not only the bride, but also the family women and friends who accompany her on this special journey.

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The wedding — often referred to as farah ("joy" in Arabic) — is a celebration that is both deeply personal and widely social. This grand festivity marks a significant milestone in life, signaling the start of a new chapter. As such, it is accompanied by a variety of rituals and traditions, which are observed to varying degrees by newer generations.

The exhibition at the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) explores wedding traditions from the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the unique cultural and regional practices of the Maghreb. As a counterpoint to this historical journey, eighteen contemporary artists share their perspective on marriage. Most of these artists are women, offering personal and modern insights into these age-old customs. Through their eyes, rituals are given new meaning—viewed as either significant, outdated, or entirely transformed. These enduring traditions shed light on aspects of our current societies, revealing how we perceive social roles today.

Marriage, it seems, evolves over time and across cultures. The exhibition journey reveals ancient traditions, shared practices across different societies, and unique rituals. Throughout the displayed pieces, you can see how clothing, rituals, and symbols transform through the ages. Complementing the exceptional costumes showcased here, visitors can also explore heritage objects, archival images, and contemporary creations—all brought to life within an immersive scenography.

The exhibition also explores the role of women in these ceremonies: the bride is supported by a host of female allies long before the wedding day. Women take charge of preparing the trousseaux, planning the celebrations, and stand by the bride every step of the way.

The Arab World Institute is promising a truly enriching cultural journey: this exhibition is set to be one of the must-see events of the September 2026 cultural season!