Mythologies Exhibition - Telling the World

Dive into a fascinating journey through the foundational myths of humanity with the exhibition Mythologies – Telling the World, on display until November 9, 2026.

This exhibition highlights universal narratives that span cultures and eras, exploring the connections between Greco-Roman, Basque, Gascon, Turkish, Berber, and even Native American mythologies. Discover how stories like that of Ulysses and the Cyclops Polyphemus resonate far beyond geographical and temporal borders, revealing shared origins buried in Prehistory.

Key highlights include:

• An ancient sculpture depicting Polyphemus, the Cyclops from the Odyssey.
• The famous head of the Cyclops Polyphemus, on exceptional loan from the Louvre Museum.
• The representation of Penelope and Ulysses, symbols of cunning and loyalty.
• The ancient manuscript of Lou Becut, a Gascon version of the Cyclops myth written around 1880.
• An original artwork of Ulysses escaping Polyphemus, illustrating human ingenuity in the face of adversity.

The exhibition also questions the boundary between myth and reality, showing how local tales like those of the Tartaro (Basque Country) or the Becut (Gascony) share archetypes with distant cultures, proving that these stories reflect a shared human heritage.

A unique opportunity to rediscover the narratives that have shaped our collective imagination, through artworks, manuscripts, and historical artifacts.

Photo credit: Images from the Mythologies – Telling the World exhibition carousel.