Des Chimères: the mystical exhibition at the Musée Gustave Moreau, our photos

Artist Margaux Laurens-Neel explores Gustave Moreau's unfinished work, offering her own version of Chimères. On view from March 27 to July 7, 2025 at the Musée Gustave Moreau.

Gustave Moreau was a painter known for his symbolically charged canvases, almost mystical creations that echo ancient motifs. The artist left behind an unfinished canvas: Les Chimères. These hybrid creatures live on a fantastical island, decorated with flowers and animals. This imaginary landscape was never finished by the artist, adding a dose of mystery to this already dreamlike work.

Artist Margaux Laurens-Neel was inspired by this painting to create a series ofwatercolors and sculptures, exhibited at the Gustave Moreau Museum from March 27 to July 7, 2025. More than forty works bring to life these mysterious and bewitching chimeras , featured in the museum's various spaces.

Gustave Moreau's painting contrasts vice and virtue in a setting inspired by the Middle Ages and Christian imagery. Margaux Laurens-Neel revisits these themes with her modern eye, placing women at the center of her art.

Without entirely erasing the work of her predecessor, thecontemporary artist wishes to evolve these chimeras and their mystical, fascinating universe. The fantastical island emerges from the canvas and its creatures take over the Paris museum, thanks to the watercolors and sculptures that punctuate the tour. In the midst of these works, a female figure stands out, seemingly reigning over this small, wonderful world.

Installed throughout the museum's permanent tour, these works stand in stark contrast to Gustave Moreau's paintings and drawings. This exhibition gives us the opportunity to discover a young artist, but also to rediscover the work of the 19th-century painter. Please note that some of the rooms are very small, and you'll have to be patient to get a glimpse of Margaux Laurens-Neel's creations. If possible, plan your visit for off-peak hours.

Rediscover the work of Gustave Moreau, and plunge into the world created by Margaux Laurens-Neel, with this original exhibition to be visited in Paris in fine weather.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.