Step into unexplored worlds—mythical, literary, or entirely imaginary—through the new exhibition titled "Imaginary Maps. Inventing New Worlds," hosted at the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) François-Mitterrand, running from March 24 to July 19, 2026. These maps, traditionally used to outline known lands, are reimagined here as representations of fantasy territories, offering visitors a journey to the edges of reality and fiction. This engaging and lively exhibition features interactive displays and a dreamlike soundscape, inviting curious minds to explore the limits of imagination.
Discover the world of cartography through 200 works blending medieval manuscripts with contemporary art, atlases and printed books, sketches, and video games. Journey from the earthly paradise to Atlantis, from Eldorado to Narnia’s world—featuring everything from Game of Thrones to Final Fantasy.
The exhibition is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, taking them on a journey through four distinct stops. The first transports visitors to the medieval era, during the age of encyclopedias, where uncharted worlds were inhabited by fantastical creatures inspired by ancient and religious sources—creatures that eventually vanished by the 18th century.
The second presents legendary worlds, imaginary places that were believed to be real and to which cartographers assigned a terrestrial location, illustrating the desire to anchor mythical places in space. Then, you can explore literary worlds, with imaginary maps that give substance to narrative universes, from realism to fantasy, before arriving at the final stop, which brings together ancient works and works by contemporary artists.
An exhibition designed for the whole family, featuring a special activity for children that invites young explorers to use a map and uncover the hidden secrets of a renowned cartographer! Throughout the visit, playful labels encourage visitors to hunt for concealed details within the artworks, making the experience engaging and fun for both kids and adults alike.
Moreover, the atmosphere is remarkably pleasant and calming, as the exhibition is set in a spacious room surrounded by . These visuals alternate between scenes of the sea and the forest, along with the creatures that inhabit them, complemented by immersive, enveloping sounds.
A standout favorite is the Literary Worlds section, showcasing iconic works from Narnia to Game of Thrones, including Peter Pan, and offering insights into the boundless imaginations of their creators. Younger visitors will enjoy the screens featuring clips from video games, as well as a touch-friendly station that lets visitors explore an interactive map of Atlantis, developed in collaboration with Ubisoft within the game Assassin's Creed Odyssey.
It's clear that the BnF aimed to create a playful exhibition by incorporating innovative displays to steer clear of the typical dry and repetitive feel of archives. That said, if you're not particularly interested in vintage maps or beautifully crafted old books, you might find this experience less engaging—though those elements are still the main focus of the exhibit.
Dates and Opening Time
From March 24, 2026 to July 19, 2026
Location
BnF - Site François Mitterrand
Quai François Mauriac
75013 Paris 13
Prices
Tarif réduit: €8
Plein tarif: €10
Official website
www.bnf.fr
