Since the dawn of time, the apocalypse has both fascinated and worried. Already present in the Bible hundreds of years ago, it still hasn't arrived, but seems to be getting closer, with climate risks, nuclear power and wars on the increase. In these strange times, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, on the François-Mitterrand site, is opening its first major exhibition devoted to the end of time, from February 4 to June 8, 2025.
Although the word "apocalypse" frightens us, and has been used for almost 2,000 years when a catastrophe occurs, it actually means "revelation" or "unveiling", and should be a bearer of hope, according to the biblical source, which rather evokes a"veil being lifted over the timeless kingdom that will reunite believers in the heavenly Jerusalem". From the Middle Ages to the present day, the exhibition traces the imagination surrounding this hypothetical end of the world through nearly 300 exceptional works, including some of the most prestigious manuscripts of the Apocalypse of John, fragments of the Angers tapestry hanging, Dürer's suite of engravings, as well as numerous paintings, rare books and film extracts evoking this theme.
The Book of Revelation's ancient warning continues to influence our times, and was widely circulated in the Middle Ages. The theme of the end of the world has, of course, inspired many artists, from Dürer to Brassaï, via the English apocalyptic sublime and German Expressionism. But after the plagues must come a new world, conveyed by the post-apocalyptic genre, explored through more contemporary works.
Dates and Opening Time
From February 4, 2025 to June 8, 2025
Location
BnF - Site François Mitterrand
Quai François Mauriac
75013 Paris 13
Prices
Tarif réduit: €8
Tarif plein : €10
Official website
www.bnf.fr
