Slave Exhibitions in the Mediterranean. 17th-18th Centuries

From March 31st to July 20th, 2026, the Institut du Monde Arabe invites you to plunge into a history long ignored: that of Mediterranean slavery. For over three centuries, Muslims and Christians were enslaved on both shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This unprecedented exhibition unveils a complex network of exchanges and struggles, often obscured by traditional historical narratives. Rare artworks from Europe, North Africa, and West Africa testify to the profound consequences of this reality. The exhibit highlights the impact of these practices on European material cultures, revealing unexpected links between continents. Thanks to guided tours, you can appreciate the richness of an unknown artistic heritage. A unique opportunity to understand a dark and complex period in history.