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Pleasures
A feel-good exhibition!
- From June 18, 2026 to April 18, 2027
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rates - Musée de la civilisation
From June 18, 2026 to April 18, 2027 
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Buy ticketsLet’s talk about pleasure.
What’s it really for? Is it just about sex, or can it also be found in a delicious meal, a captivating song, a fit of laughter with friends or the crackle of a campfire?
How is it different from joy, well-being or even happiness? And what happens in your body and brain when you get the chills, when you crave more, when your pleasure circuits light up?
This exhibition invites you to explore a phenomenon that is as universal as it is intimate, going far beyond the clichés! Through an extravagant journey, you will discover the many sources of pleasure, learn about its physiological and chemical mechanisms, and reflect on the role it plays in our lives and societies.
Experience a multi-sensory adventure that is fun, scientific and introspective all at once. It promises stimulation (maybe even overstimulation?) and satisfaction, too.
Visitor journey
Pleasures is a major, original thematic exhibition created entirely by the Musée!
An important but often overlooked topic, pleasure is fundamental to the human experience, spanning philosophical, scientific, historical and social dimensions.
This universal subject is designed to appeal to a multi-generational audience from all walks of life. Explore the exhibition through its five distinct zones:
Let’s turn our attention to those little things that make us feel so good. Little pleasures, big pleasures, guilty pleasures, whether they involve delicious food, a sense of nostalgia or a truly unique experience… This first zone shines a spotlight on a wide array of pleasures in a playful, interactive and sound-filled environment. Here, visitors can explore the sheer variety of what brings joy while reflecting on their own sources of happiness. What about you? What brings you the greatest pleasure?
Drugs, alcohol, video games, sex, online shopping, social media, sports and… cat videos? Did you know that anything providing enough pleasure to make us want to repeat the experience can lead to addiction?
Step inside a space designed to evoke the inner workings of the brain where science demonstrates how pleasure is both serious and complex! On a practical level, discover the purpose of pleasure, how the reward system works in our brains and what happens when the pursuit of pleasure goes off the tracks, leading to addiction.
Sex and pleasure naturally go hand in hand. Sexual pleasure is part of the vast diversity of human experiences, holding an important place in our lives and our society. Yet, many taboos and areas of discomfort still surround this universal topic, which is intimately linked to knowing oneself, exploring personal preferences and listening to one’s partner.
Sex is not the central focus of the exhibition, and the presentation is by no means limited to this particular subject, quite the contrary. Furthermore, the Musée has taken every measure to inform the public so visitors can decide for themselves whether or not to enter this specific zone, which is set apart and clearly marked for ages 18 and over. It is up to visitors to determine, based on their own comfort level and age, whether it is appropriate to explore.
Bursting with vibrant colours and bright lights, this section draws inspiration from advertising and social media to explore our idealized concepts of pleasure and happiness. Everything is perfect and even too good to be true, and it is almost overwhelming! Even Barbie makes an appearance. As the iconic symbol of success and beauty, does her world truly represent perfect happiness? The dream job, the marriage, the house, the sweet ride, the vacations, the dog, the kids. What next?
Stepping out of the sensory overload, visitors enter a striking new space that is open, calm and filled with light. Here, we explore what it really takes to cultivate true happiness: connecting with nature, with others, with the present moment and with ourselves… An immersive digital experience in a circular screening room invites you to settle in, get comfortable and feel the restorative power of nature. Can you hear the birds singing?
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