Upside Down – The Arctic Regions brings together around 500 of the most important pieces from ancient Eskimo and Inuit culture. They are all representative of major epochs, cultures and sites, and illustrate the extraordinary environment of the Arctic regions.

Human Head © Nationalmuseet. Photo : Laila Halsteen


The exhibition offers visitors an unprecedented experience: the chance to explore, for the first time in Europe, the full range of Eskimo and Inuit arts, with the emphasis on a journey round the icecap, from Siberia to Alaska, in search of the Evenk, Dorset and Kuskokwim civilisations, among others.

It explores the relationship between the hostile environment of the Arctic and the development of the visual culture of the peoples of Siberia and Alaska – sensory perceptions of the landscape, spiritual and physical reflection and an approach to lived and imaginary experiences. It highlights the way in which this reality is expressed through utilitarian and intimate objects. The pieces presented come from several carefully preserved collections – a number of them have never before left their regions of origin.

Carving of swimming bear © Canadian Museum of Civilization, Ottawa

The layout of the exhibition, designed by the visual artist Doug Wheeler, replicates the immensity of the “Arctic environment” by playing with light, darkness, projected images, shadow effects and variations in temperature which disorientate the visitor, thus creating a state of total receptiveness to the exhibited objects.

“The cultures represented span millennia and immense territories, which extend from modern-day Russia in the north-east, to Greenland, via the Bering Strait, north-east and north-west Canada. Arctic cultures developed in an isolated, hostile environment, in extreme conditions which modern Eskimo and Inuit peoples still experience. The fact that these Arctic regions are now under threat from what we have come to recognise as gradual global warming only makes our discovery of these ancient cultures more moving. These lands and cultures, once isolated from the rest of the world, appear to us to be timeless and infinite, despite our now being conscious of their fragility.”

Large Okvik Head, © Rock Foundation, New York

For the 2008 White Night on 4th October, the museum will be open until midnight and entrance free for all. There are also some special events planned:

– from 6 – 9pm DJs, human beat box and body music: the invited artists have concocted an energetic show that resonates the cultures shown in the museum collections. Go down to the museum foyer to admire their performances and try out a workshop to see whether there’s a budding DJ or beatboxer in you!
– from 9 – 11pm there are guides in the various parts of the museum to help you to get know the museum better. Great!

Here’s all the essential information for the exhibition Upside Down – The Arctic Regions at the Musée du Quai Branly

When: 29th September 2008 – 11th January 2009
Where: Musée du Quai Branly, 37 quai Branly, 75007 Paris. Métro Alma-Marceau (line 9), RER line C – Pont de l’Alma
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 11am – 7pm, late night opening on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm. Closed Mondays and 25th December
Admission: adults 10 euros, student 7.5 euros. Free for under 18s. Free Saturdays from 6pm onwards for 18-25 year-olds.
Official site: here
Wikipedia page on the museum: here

Bigger map here