At the Museum of Immigration, the exhibition "Cherie suburbs" brings the outskirts into the limelight
How to Showcase the Suburbs? A Deep Dive into "Beloved Suburbs"
The topic of suburbs encompasses a vast array of interconnected questions, making it impossible for an exhibition to address every aspect: politics, social, economic, cultural, and more. The creators of the "Beloved Suburbs" exhibition were well aware of this reality and the limitations of the space provided by the National Museum of Immigration History, which isn't particularly large or straightforward.
Instead of trying to cover everything, these curators chose to emphasize key points; not presenting a comprehensive history or geography, but focusing on specific moments and locations, with a strong preference for the Ile-de-France region. The beauty of this exhibition lies in its open invitation to others to continue delving into these often-overlooked areas, so they can stand in the spotlight rather than being considered 'peripheral.'
Within each section, one or more pieces serve both as allegories and documents: they symbolize, suggest, and tell stories. From the get-go, this approach is evident as the initial visuals are scenes from Henri Verneuil's 1963 film "Melody in Slumber." Upon his release from prison, Jean Gabin returns home to Sarcelles (Val-d'Oise). He struggles to recognize anything and ultimately realizes he's now trapped between the towering buildings of the new town.
The "Beloved Suburbs" exhibition, taking place from April 11 to August 17, 2025, sheds light on the history and cultural richness of the suburbs by utilizing archives, artworks, and testimonies. Its ultimate goal is to break down common misconceptions about suburbs and underscore their crucial role in French history[1]. The exhibition is located in the Palais de la Porte Dorée, which is home to the Musée National de l'Histoire de l'Immigration[3], although there's no specific mention of its connection to the National Museum of Immigration History in the text provided.
[1] Source: http://www.culturespaces.com/en/exhibitions/beloved-suburbs/[3] Source: https://www.musee-immigration.fr/en/
In the "Beloved Suburbs" exhibition, running from April 11 to August 17, 2025, the focus on specific moments and locations, particularly the Ile-de-France region, is showcased, aiming to highlight the rich lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden aspects of the suburbs, along with their history and cultural significance. The exhibition encourages further exploration of these often-overlooked areas, breaking down misconceptions and emphasizing their substantial role in French history.
