The "Banlieues chéries" exhibition at the Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris, running from April 11 to August 17, 2025, aims to reshape perceptions of the suburbs by highlighting their rich history and cultural significance. This ambitious project seeks to dismantle the often negative stereotypes associated with these areas, which lie beyond the city limits of major French urban centers.
Constance Rivière, the director of the National Museum of the History of Immigration, emphasizes that the exhibition is intended to "place the periphery at the center" of cultural discourse. The narrative of the suburbs is traced back to the mid-19th century, when Paris absorbed villages like Passy, Montmartre, and Belleville into its expanding urban fabric. This historical journey illustrates how these areas were not only picturesque landscapes for famous impressionists like Claude Monet but also regions that suffered from the adverse effects of urban development, including the dumping of wastewater from Paris into the suburbs during the Haussmannian renovations.
One of the exhibition's key observations is that suburbs are "permanent construction sites," according to Horya Makhlouf, one of the exhibition's curators. This statement reflects the ongoing development and transformation that these areas have undergone over the decades. The exhibition opens with a poignant excerpt from the 1962 film "Mélodie en sous-sol," featuring Jean Gabin as a man recently released from prison, struggling to reconnect with his home amidst the new housing developments in Sarcelles.
The exhibition also features powerful images from the slums of Champigny-sur-Marne and Nanterre, which serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by suburban residents. Emmanuel Bellanger, a historian specializing in the social and political history of the suburbs, notes that the exhibition aims to dispel the "anxious vision" often associated with these territories, instead showcasing that happiness and community can flourish in these spaces.
"Banlieues chéries" presents a diverse array of portraits of suburban residents, capturing intimate stories of joy and struggle. The exhibition aims to convey the complex realities of life in the suburbs, featuring a "trombinoscope" of individuals and their homes, which tells of personal histories filled with both pride and resilience.
The suburbs, once labeled as "red suburbs" due to their political affiliations, transformed into battlegrounds for social justice in the 1970s amid the deindustrialization crisis. The exhibition includes a "wall of revolts," which compiles posters, banners, and objects from demonstrations against inadequate housing, racism, and police violence, highlighting the activism that has emerged from these communities.
Constance Rivière asserts that the exhibition does not indulge in "heroization or romanticism" of suburban life; rather, it seeks to celebrate the creativity and pride of suburban residents. This is exemplified through various mediums, including rap music videos and works by young artists born in the suburbs, some of whom critically address the ongoing issue of gentrification in their neighborhoods.
The exhibition ultimately serves as a call to recognize the contributions and experiences of those living in the suburbs, challenging visitors to reconsider their preconceived notions. By showcasing the rich tapestry of life in these areas, "Banlieues chéries" invites a broader understanding of the social dynamics at play and the cultural significance of the suburbs in contemporary French society.
As the exhibition progresses, it promises to engage a diverse audience, raising awareness about the historical and ongoing struggles faced by suburban communities while also celebrating their achievements and cultural contributions. The dialogues initiated within the exhibition space aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of suburban life, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and representation in discussions about urban development and social justice.
In conclusion, "Banlieues chéries" is more than just an exhibition; it is a movement toward understanding and appreciating the suburbs as vital components of the urban landscape. It challenges visitors to rethink their perspectives and recognize the stories of those who live in these often-overlooked areas, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced view of the suburbs and their place in the broader narrative of French history.
