There have never been as many sports-related exhibitions in the capital as there will be in 2024, the Olympic year! And while men have long had the upper hand in sport, this is no longer the case, with women's sport taking off in many disciplines. From May 22 to October 13, 2024, the BNF François-Mitterand presents a panorama of this trend in a free exhibition featuring nearly 250 documents, photographs, posters and magazine covers.
The history of women's sport is an eventful one, closely linked to that of the status of women, particularly in France since the end of the 19th century. For a long time, women were invisible and banned from the world of sport, and had to negotiate or force their integration, as can also be seen in the Olympic Games. Although the 2024 Games will feature total parity for the first time , the female sex has had very late access to sport and competitions, until 2018 even for ski jumping!
A troubled history between women and sport didn't stop them from breaking unfair rules in the early 20th century. The Duchesse d'Uzès was one of these pioneers, as was Alice Milliat at the end of the First World War. Neglected by the men's federations, French women created their own clubs and competitions, conquering their autonomy despite resistance from men, including Coubertin.
It wasn't until the end of the 1960s that women took part in rugby and marathon running in official competitions, having previously been confined to gymnastics and other well-behaved sports. Today, equality is still a long way off, with professional women's incomes and audiences not on a par with their male counterparts. An exhibition that testifies to theevolution of standards and the relationship with the body through sport, which is still relevant today!
Dates and Opening Time
From May 22th, 2024 to October 13th, 2024
Location
BnF - Site François Mitterrand
Quai François Mauriac
75013 Paris 13
Prices
Free
Official website
www.bnf.fr
