Paris expo recounts global struggles throughout Olympics history
French culture chiefs on Friday unveiled their latest blockbuster exhibition aimed at adding a more reflective level to the Olympic and Paralympic fever set to grip France from the middle of July.
Showing at the national History of Immigration Museum in eastern Paris, the exhibition highlights the fractious hinterland of the Games since they were prised out of the ancient history books and repackaged during a Franco-Hellenic love-in at the end of the 19th century.
Developments in social, gender and racial equality are also surveyed through the 600-odd posters, letters and mementos in "Olympism, a History of the World 1896-2024", which runs until 8 September – the end of the Paralympic Games.
"We talk a lot today about the impact of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East," said museum director Constance Rivière.
"As far as the Games are concerned, there is a lot of talk about things like inclusion, the environment and sustainability. But these are issues that have existed almost since the inception of the Games."
Seven curators have worked for the past five years to sift through a treasure trove of sporting memorabilia.
Each of the 33 Games receives its own array of panels featuring details such as the boycotts of 1976, 1980 and 1984, the star athletes who emerged, and the contemporary geopolitical crises that were burning the firmament or smouldering.
Gender battle
Also outlined are the number of male and female athletes as well as their origins.
Read more on RFI English
Read also:
PSG turns to Star Wars amid terror fears as Paris Olympics chiefs brace for launch
France seeks help from allies to bolster security during Paris Olympics
France commends Morocco's support in counterterrorism efforts ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics
