Imaginary Maps. Inventing Worlds

For centuries, cartographers have not only measured the physical world but also drawn the contours of our dreams and deepest myths. The French National Library, on its François-Mitterrand site, brings together traces where geography transcends reality to give life to lands of legend, political utopias, or literary universes. These precious documents reveal how a simple line in ink is enough to make invisible cities or vanished continents exist. From March 24th to July 19th, 2026, this presentation highlights the creative power of the cartographers of the mind, showing that drawing a border is often the first step towards an extraordinary story. It’s a privileged opportunity to observe how humanity uses technical precision to anchor its fantasies, transforming each map into a powerful engine for storytelling.