Exiled but still fighting, they defended their homeland and their identity through their art. To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Musée de l'Armée is spotlighting the artists and intellectuals who fought in their own way, in an exhibition running from February 26 to June 22, 2025.
Entitled Un exil combattant: les artistes et la France 1939-1945, this exhibition recounts the destinies of these uprooted artists, taking us from Cuba to Sydney, via London, New York, Algiers, Brazzaville, Buenos Aires...
During the Second World War, exiles were numerous: persecuted people, opponents of Nazi and fascist regimes, political leaders, activists, defenders of free speech... There was no shortage of reasons to flee. France was split in two: some found freedom in Vichy, while others sought to leave Europe and occupied France via the many ports and border crossings.
Artists and intellectuals form a special group within this large uprooted population. Through their art, their writings and their education, they fought against the oppressor, keeping alive and exporting a " certain French spirit ". Thespirit of the Enlightenment, the demand for freedom and knowledge became a form of rebellion. Artists hoped to rally neutral countries to their cause and consolidate relations with allies through culture.
In neighboring and distant countries, great cultural figures became involved, each in their own way. The exhibition revisits the careers of Fernand Léger, Jean Hélion, Anna Marly, Jean Gabin, René Cassin, André Masson, Germaine Krull... Visitors also immerse themselves inOssip Zadkine's New York studio, reconstructed at the Musée de l'Armée, and the Gotham Books bookshop, where the "French spirit" could live and thrive during the war.
Through art, history, science and communication, the musée de l'Armée will be spotlighting these warriors from winter 2025.
Dates and Opening Time
From February 26, 2025 to June 22, 2025
Location
Army Museum
129 rue de Grenelle
75007 Paris 7
Prices
Tarif réduit: €12
Plein tarif: €15
Official website
www.musee-armee.fr
