Why are coins shaped the way they are? Why were these precious materials chosen to make them? What are the different uses of coins around the world... ? These are just some of the questions that the Monnaie de Paris seeks to answer with its latest exhibition, Monnaies & Merveilles, which runs from May 12 to September 25, 2022.
Whether made of gold, silver, feathers (yes, feathers!), mother-of-pearl, pearls or even iron, coins have taken on different forms and values throughout history and around the world. Its diversity is astonishing, but it always has a single purpose: to enable the materialization of commercial transactions, both within and outside a given group. A currency that also expresses an individual's rank, prestige and wealth, or ensures"the balance and survival of the community".
True"instruments of sociability and exchange" laid bare here by the Monnaie de Paris, offering an almost anthropological analysis of man's relationship with money. A transactional medium that takes a variety of forms, from Kuba velvet from Zaire, money bracelets from Côte d'Ivoire, textiles from Timor in Southeast Asia, to feather rolls from the Santa Cruz Islands in Polynesia.
A total of 200 pieces are on display, all from the collections of major museums such as the Musée du Quai Branly, the Musée Guimet, the Musée des Confluences in Lyon and the Mucem, as well as from galleries and private collectors. A beautiful exhibition that takes visitors on a journey to the heart of monetary rituals and practices across cultures and civilizations, where the elements used for transactions are elevated to the rank of true masterpieces. In short, a must-see exhibition for all lovers of fine objets d'art... Shall we drop in, friends?
Dates and Opening Time
From May 12, 2022 to September 24, 2022
Location
Paris Mint
11, quai Conti
75006 Paris 6
Prices
Tarif réduit: €10
Plein tarif: €12
Tarif exposition + musée: €14
Official website
www.monnaiedeparis.fr
More information
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Nocturne on Wednesdays until 9pm.
