The Musée de Cluny, dedicated to medieval art, has been hosting a new exhibition since March entirely devoted to one of the most fascinating animals in the collective imagination. Titled “Unicorns!”, it will run in Paris until July 12 and explore the figure of this creature through the centuries, spanning myth, symbolism, and art history.
The unicorn at the heart of an extraordinary exhibition
Featuring pieces from around the world (manuscripts, sculptures, works of art, and textiles), this extraordinary exhibition allows us to understand how this creature has evolved from antiquity to the present day. The goal is to show how the unicorn has established itself as a powerful symbol—sometimes religious, sometimes fantastical, always laden with multiple meanings.
If we examine the origins of the myth, certain ancient depictions from Persian, Asian, and European cultures show how two-horned animals viewed in profile may have inspired the image of a unicorn. The exhibition also references biblical texts, travelers’ accounts, and medieval bestiaries that helped popularize the creature.
In the Middle Ages, the unicorn became a complex symbol associated with purity and spirituality, but also with tales of chivalry. In some manuscripts, it appears as a quasi-mystical animal, sometimes compared to Christ, while other works depict it in hunting or combat scenes. This diversity of interpretations is, in fact, one of the central themes of the exhibition.
The tour also connects with one of the museum’s masterpieces: the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry series, comprising six early 16th-century tapestries housed at Cluny. These major works, considered a pinnacle of medieval art, depict a lady surrounded by a unicorn and a lion in a richly detailed setting.
The exhibition is designed to be accessible to all audiences, including families. It blends history, art, and imagination, with an educational approach that helps visitors understand the evolution of this mythical figure. Several guided tours and workshops are offered throughout the duration of the event.
Housed in the Hôtel de Cluny, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, this exhibition also offers an opportunity to rediscover one of Paris’s most unique museums. With “Unicorns!”, the institution presents a comprehensive exploration of a figure that continues to fascinate.
📍Unicorns! – Musée de Cluny – 28, rue de Sommerard, 75005
📆 Through July 12, 2026
