Plumes of Paradise at the Quai Branly Museum: an exhibition celebrating the birds of New Guinea

The Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris is hosting the exhibition Feathers of Paradise from May 12 to November 8, 2026. Dedicated to the birds of paradise from New Guinea, this showcase features nearly 190 items—including adornments, paintings, preserved specimens, fashion objects, and illustrated books. The exhibit takes visitors on a journey through five centuries of fascination with these spectacular creatures, weaving together perspectives from art, science, ethnology, and ecology.

What if a single feather could tell five centuries of history? The Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac opens a captivating exhibition dedicated to paradise birds, creatures native to New Guinea. Running from May 12 to November 8, 2026, the show titled Feathers of Paradise is staged in the Germain Viatte gallery. It brings together nearly 190 pieces, including naturalized specimens, adornments, paintings, works of art, fashion accessories, and illustrated books, weaving a rich narrative through material culture.

This exhibition explores how these vibrant, feathered birds have traveled across continents and disciplines — from natural history to Western art, including ritual practices and exotic representations. It examines the many ways these stunning creatures have been viewed and interpreted, from New Guinea to Europe, spanning from the 16th century to the present day.

A Journey Through Science, Art, and Traditional Knowledge

The collection showcases the diverse ways in which birds of paradise have been perceived and represented across different eras and cultures. From paintings by Northern Renaissance masters and ethnographic artifacts to collectible items and fashion accessories, these works offer a multifaceted glimpse into their significance—spanning aesthetic admiration, scientific curiosity, and symbolic expression.

The exhibition Feathers of Paradise at the Musée du quai Branly offers a multidisciplinary perspective, blending insights from academic research, local traditions, and artistic practices. Every piece on display highlights the intricate relationships woven around these birds, seen alternately as natural wonders, decorative resources, or symbols of authority.

Contemporary Perspectives from New Guinea

This project was developed with the input of researchers, artists, and experts from Papua New Guinea, providing an authentic and contemporary perspective on the symbolic meanings of the birds of paradise. Their contributions deepen our understanding of traditional practices and highlight the challenges involved in passing down this knowledge to future generations.

Some sections of the exhibition also explore issues surrounding biodiversity conservation and ongoing ecological changes. The diverse perspectives offered help situate the birds of paradise within a broader global context, all while acknowledging regional dynamics and cultural narratives. The exhibition also highlights how representations have evolved over time, illustrating how these birds have been woven into imaginations that are sometimes at odds with one another.

This project offers an open-ended reflection on how human societies perceive, utilize, and transform nature. It encourages us to question our ways of representing the natural world, without aiming to impose a single interpretation.

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