This fall, as Paris transitions into its crisp, cozy season, the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac invites you to an exhibition like no other: “Zombis: Dead is Not the End?” Running from October 8, 2024, to February 16, 2025, this captivating exhibition is a must-see for those intrigued by history, culture, and the mythological roots of zombies. With its rich blend of African traditions, Haitian Vodou, and modern pop culture, the Zombis exhibition offers a deep dive into the fascinating evolution of this iconic figure.
Standing figure, hands on hips, carrying a load on his stomach that is covered by a rectangular mirror. (© musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, photo Pauline Guyon)
Explore the Zombies Exhibition in Paris
The Zombies exhibition in Paris is not your typical Halloween horror show. Instead, it takes you on a journey through time and culture, far beyond the brain-eating creatures of Hollywood. This exhibition uncovers the true origins of zombies, beginning with African spiritual beliefs. Did you know that the word “zombi” (or “nzambi”) originally referred to spirits of the dead in African traditions? From there, it traveled across the Atlantic to Haiti, where it evolved into something far more complex.
This exhibition is a cultural journey that redefines what we think we know about zombies.
Myrlande Constant, Bannière Bawon, 2005, textile, synthetic fibers, glass and plastic beads, satin, 150 x 125 cm, Port-au-Prince (© musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, photo Claude Germain)
The Cultural Roots of the Zombie Myth
Zombies are well-known from movies, but their origins go much further back. In Haitian Vodou culture, zombification wasn’t about horror at all. Instead, it was a form of control and punishment. Zombies in Haiti were linked to secret societies like the Bizango. Here, criminals could be transformed into zombies, forced into servitude as a punishment. Unlike the terrifying monsters of Hollywood, these zombies were real people trapped in a social system of justice.
Moreover, the exhibition offers deep insights from Philippe Charlier, an anthropologist, along with Haitian cultural experts such as Erol Josué and Lilas Desquiron. They dive into the ancient beliefs that shaped the zombie myth. This gives visitors a rare chance to learn how zombies were viewed in Haitian society, not as fearsome creatures, but as part of a complex cultural system.
Dubréus Lhérisson, Bizango character, detail, Haiti, early 21st century, padded fabric, bone (human skull), wood, mirrors and metal, 130 x 55 xx 30 cm, Paris © musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, photo Thierry Ollivier, Michel Urtado
From Haitian Vodou to Hollywood Zombies
In addition to exploring the African and Haitian roots of zombies, the exhibition also traces how these figures became the pop culture icons we recognize today. Zombies first entered Western imagination through Pierre-Corneille Blessebois’s 1697 novel. However, their fame skyrocketed after George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead in 1968. The exhibition reveals how these once-sacred myths were transformed, becoming staples in horror films and literature.
Additionally, visitors can explore a rich collection of artifacts, films, and artworks. These items document the journey of zombies—from sacred African spirits to Western cultural symbols. It’s a rare look at how myths can travel, evolve, and influence societies on a global scale.
Haiti, Bizango character, 20th century, Upholstered fabric, bone (human skull), wood, mirrors, metal, Charlier / LAAB / UVSQ MAAM.2018.2.1 collection (© musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac photo Pauline Guyon)
Fall in Paris: The Perfect Time to Visit
Fall in Paris is the ideal backdrop for an exhibition about zombies.
As the evenings grow darker, the atmosphere in Paris changes. The autumn leaves begin to fall, and the city takes on a moodier feel. This shift perfectly complements the themes of the exhibition. Furthermore, the exhibition’s design pulls you in. It creates an immersive experience that draws you deeper into this dark history.
Additionally, if you’re a history enthusiast, this is a must-see event. On the other hand, if you love exploring mythological tales, it’s also the perfect time to visit. There’s truly no better moment to discover the Zombis exhibition!
Guided Tours: A Deeper Dive into the Zombi Myth
To make your experience even more enriching, we offer exclusive guided tours of the Zombis exhibition. Our expert guides are licensed professionals with deep knowledge of history, anthropology, and culture. On these tours, you’ll explore the global history of the zombie myth, gaining insight into its African origins, Haitian adaptations, and Hollywood interpretations. With personalized attention, our guided tours ensure you leave with a profound understanding of this fascinating subject.
Moreover, these guided tours provide an opportunity to ask questions and dive even deeper into the cultural significance of zombies.
Magic statue, Gabon, before 1931, wood, metal, feathers, pigments and organic materials, 69.5 x 20 x 21 cm, Paris © musée du quai Branly –Jacques Chirac, photo Claude Germain
Don’t Miss This Unique Fall Exhibition in Paris
Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time, or you’re a local looking for something new, don’t miss the Zombis exhibition at Musée du Quai Branly. Without a doubt, it’s a must-see this fall. Plus, it offers a rare chance to dive into a myth that has shaped cultures worldwide—from Africa and Haiti all the way to Hollywood. Additionally, with our personalized guided tours, you’ll enjoy an even deeper, more engaging experience.
So, book your tour now! Immerse yourself in the mystery, history, and cultural evolution of the zombie myth this fall in Paris! At La Compagnie des Guides, we are your perfect partner for fall adventures in Paris. Additionally, whether you’re interested in an evening tour of Montmartre, a peaceful stroll through Paris’s famous cemeteries, or a food tour sampling the best gourmet treats and wines France has to offer, we create unforgettable, tailored experiences. Therefore, let us guide you through Paris’s hidden gems this fall. Let us make your visit truly memorable!