Nouvelles du paradis, the vacation postcard: the sunny exhibition at the Musée de la Poste

The postcard, that unique literary tradition, is at the heart of a fun and unusual exhibition at the Musée de la Poste, from September 6, 2023 to March 18, 2024. If you, too, have kept up this lovely ritual of sending a little thought to your family or friends whenever you go on a trip, then this exhibition should appeal to you! A symbolic element of vacations, kept as a souvenir of our adventures, the postcard is a tourist object in its own right. Follow its history and use, thanks to the Paris museum's archives!

The exhibition Nouvelles du paradis, la carte postale de vacances (News from paradise, the vacation postcard) brings together several hundred postcards in black and white or color, dating from the late 19th century to the present day. But that's not all! The exhibition also looks at how these cards were made, how they evolved, the writing practices that surrounded them, the artists they inspired... The Musée de la Poste offers not only a historical look at the postcard, but also an artistic journey, with a variety of contemporary works.

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Along the way, we take a journey through the landscapes depicted on these small pieces of paper. We discover the social practices that crystallized around this object of correspondence, the only way at the time to share with loved ones the moments spent far away from them. This illustration reveals the hidden facets of the postcard, from its acquisition and writing to its circulation, its status as a collector's item in some cases, and even the impact of today's digital technology on its marketing.

As tourism and the habits of holidaymakers developed, so did the postcard. Beach or mountain, French regions or faraway lands, photographs or graphic montage: this small object symbolizes a whole social practice, and evolves regularly over time.

The light-heartedexhibition also reveals a wealth of anecdotes and unusual information! Did you know, for example, that a law passed in 1930 allowed postcards to be sent for just 15 cents? Provided you wrote five words or less.

While the practice is no longer as systematic as it once was, it's a way of leaving a lasting impression on our loved ones, and generates many memories. Let yourself be carried away by this lovely exhibition that extends your vacations!