The Marseille Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, Mucem, has created a stir with its creative exhibition, Naturist Paradises, which explores the history and cultural significance of naturism. In a bold and unconventional move, the museum has invited visitors to experience the exhibit naked, thus making the connection with the artwork more profound and personal.
Exploring Naturism Through Art
The exhibition, which features 600 pieces from public and private collections, delves into the evolution of naturism in Europe. It traces its origins as a health-focused social movement to its modern associations with body positivity and holistic lifestyles. Highlights include vintage magazine covers, archival videos, black-and-white photographs, paintings, and detailed informational displays that underscore the philosophy of naturism—self-respect, harmony with nature, and body acceptance.
According to museum curators, France’s status as a global hub for naturism—thanks to its climate and proximity to three seas—has influenced the resurgence of this lifestyle. Today, naturism aligns closely with trends such as vegetarian diets, natural therapies, meditation, and outdoor yoga, making the exhibit timely and relevant.
Nudity as a Medium for Engagement
Since its opening in July, the exhibition has drawn nearly 100,000 visitors, including 600 participants in nude-only viewings. For seasoned naturists, the event felt familiar, while first-timers described it as a unique opportunity to embrace art and self-image in a judgment-free environment.
Stephane Deschenes, president of the International Naturist Federation, emphasised, “Nudity is a tool—a powerful means of fostering body acceptance, though it’s not the ultimate goal.”
A First for Major Museums
While other institutions in cities like Paris, Vienna, and Montreal have hosted nude art events, Mucem stands out as the first major museum to dedicate an entire exhibition to naturism. The exhibit has been lauded for its celebration of naturism’s values and its ability to bridge historical perspectives with contemporary issues of body image and acceptance.
Mucem’s Naturist Paradises offers more than an artistic journey—it invites a profound reflection on how we view our bodies and interact with the natural world.
