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At the Mucem , the new exhibition "Good Mothers" offers a unique exploration of representations of motherhood across time and Mediterranean cultures. This new display invites visitors to journey through more than four millennia of history , where myths, traditions, politics, and artistic creations converge to examine the maternal figure.
In an immersive and luminous journey, the exhibition explores motherhood as both a social construct and an intimate experience. From antiquity to the present day, the works reveal how societies have shaped the image of the mother: protector, nurturer, patriot, or religious symbol. Visitors are thus taken from ancient mother goddesses to contemporary popular figures, not forgetting the famous Bonne Mère of Marseille , a spiritual emblem dominating the city.
The journey unfolds in 3 stages.
The first part focuses on idealized imaginaries of motherhood, often fueled by strong symbols and cultural representations.
The second addresses the more complex and sometimes invisible realities of the maternal experience, in particular addressing topics that have long remained in the shadows, such as perinatal bereavement or pregnancy terminations.
Finally, the last section focuses on the legacy between mothers and children, exploring the gestures, legacies and influences that are passed down from generation to generation.
Nearly 350 works, displayed across 1,200 square meters , comprise this artistic and anthropological journey: ancient sculptures, major paintings, contemporary installations, film excerpts, and everyday objects interact to offer a rich and nuanced perspective. Among the standout pieces are creations by Prune Nourry , Niki de Saint Phalle , and Joana Vasconcelos , as well as iconic works from art history.
The exhibition concludes with a touch of humor and folk wisdom thanks to a wall of Mediterranean proverbs dedicated to mothers and mothers-in-law, reminding us that while the experiences of motherhood are multiple and personal, they share a profoundly universal dimension.
Mucem
Esplanade du J4, 13002 Marseille
"Good Mothers" Exhibition
From 18 March to 31 August 2026
Home – Mucem
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