Musée Carnavalet to Host “Paris à l’arraché” Exhibition Celebrating Jacques Villeglé
Paris, July 27, 2026 – The Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris is set to open a major exhibition titled “Paris à l’arraché. Jacques Villeglé et l’art urbain,” running from October 14, 2026, to February 14, 2027. This retrospective marks the centenary of the birth of Jacques Villeglé (March 27, 1926, Quimper – June 6, 2022, Paris), a pivotal figure in French art, renowned for his distinctive method of collecting torn posters from urban spaces.
The exhibition, presented at the Musée Carnavalet, will offer a deep dive into Villeglé’s prolific work, which transforms the ephemeral traces of the city into a unique visual language, both poetic and documentary. His art invites visitors to explore the history of Paris through these lacerated posters and graphic signs, which he reassembles to create new narratives. It also highlights his connections with various expressions of contemporary urban art.
A Journey Through Villeglé’s Vision
The exhibition is structured as a journey, guiding visitors through curated sections that reflect Villeglé’s vision, as documented in his writings. His artworks will be juxtaposed with a rich collection of photographs, sound archives, music, film excerpts, interviews, and testimonials, including numerous previously unreleased documents. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a multifaceted understanding of his artistic practice.
Villeglé’s work is characterized by its intersection of poetry and urban archaeology. For him, Paris was an open-air studio, where every wall held a potential work of art. The exhibition traces Villeglé’s wanderings through four key Parisian neighborhoods where he notably collected his material: from Porte Maillot to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, passing through Montparnasse and the Marais district.
Capturing Parisian History Through Art
Beyond its artistic merit, the exhibition also underscores the historical dimension of Villeglé’s oeuvre. His collected posters serve as authentic snapshots of urban life from different eras, reflecting the political context, social struggles, mobilizations, and local or national elections. The streets of Paris, as captured by Villeglé, become a mirror of a society undergoing constant flux and upheaval.
The exhibition is open to all audiences, offering an engaging and insightful experience for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those interested in urban culture. Admission ranges from 0 to 15 euros, and reservations are mandatory. The museum will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on operating days.
Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris is located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. For more information and to make reservations, visitors can consult the official website of Paris events.
This event has been provided by an institutional organization. Last updated on July 22, 2026.
Practical Information:
- Dates: October 14, 2026 – February 14, 2027
- Location: Musée Carnavalet, Paris
- Admission: 0 to 15 euros (reservation required)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
Source: https://www.jds.fr/paris/spectacles/paris-a-l-arrache-jacques-villegle-et-l-art-urbain-1667513_A
