Nantes Museum Reopens with ‘Open Hearts’ Exhibition – A Journey Through Art, History & the Human Pulse
Nantes, France – The Dobrée museum in Nantes is beating with new life, officially launching its first major temporary exhibition since a decade-long renovation. “À cœurs Ouverts” (“Open Hearts”), opening October 17, 2025, isn’t just an art show; it’s a deeply human exploration of the heart – as a biological organ, a symbol of love, and a vessel of political and spiritual meaning. This is a breaking news story for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and a significant cultural moment for the city of Nantes.
From Anatomy to Allegory: A Multifaceted Exploration
Curated by Julie Pellegrin and Yann Lignereux, the exhibition promises a “sensitive and erudite journey” that blends art, history, and even popular culture. Visitors will begin with a visceral understanding of the heart’s mechanics, featuring poignant audio testimonies from cardiologist Sabine and heart transplant recipients Suzy and Gaëlle. Their stories – of second chances, acceptance, and the profound connection to a life-sustaining organ – immediately ground the exhibition in raw, emotional reality. It’s a powerful reminder that beyond symbolism, the heart is, quite literally, what keeps us alive.
A Royal Heart and a Symbolic Theft
The exhibition’s genesis lies in a dramatic chapter of the museum’s own history: the 2018 theft and subsequent recovery of the cardiotaph – the receptacle for the heart of Anne of Brittany. While the actual artifact remains secured due to security concerns, its story serves as a compelling starting point. Anne of Brittany, a powerful figure in French history, uniquely requested her heart be separated from her body upon death, remaining in her beloved Brittany while her body was interred with the French royalty. This act transformed the organ into a potent symbol of regional sovereignty and personal will.
The Heart Through the Ages: Love, Faith, and Revolution
“Open Hearts” doesn’t shy away from the heart’s complex history. The exhibition traces its evolution as a symbol, from its depiction in medieval anatomical illustrations to its central role in courtly love poetry – think Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the birth of the bilobed heart as a visual representation of romantic longing. But the heart’s symbolism extends far beyond romance. The exhibition delves into its religious significance, showcasing depictions of the Sacred Heart in Catholicism, and its use as a symbol of devotion and faith.
Interestingly, the heart also became a battleground during the French Revolution. Both royalists and republicans appropriated the symbol, adorning it with emblems of their respective ideologies – a testament to the heart’s enduring power to represent deeply held beliefs. This historical context provides a fascinating lens through which to view the heart’s continued presence in modern political discourse and even everyday emojis.
Christian Boltanski’s Immersive Pulse
The exhibition culminates in a powerful installation by the late visual artist Christian Boltanski. “Le Cœur” (The Heart) plunges visitors into darkness, illuminated only by a single bulb pulsing to the rhythm of Boltanski’s own heartbeat, recorded before his death. This immersive experience is designed to be deeply personal, forcing viewers to confront their own mortality and connection to the universal human experience. Adding to the impact, the museum is reactivating Boltanski’s “Archives of the Heart” project, inviting visitors to record their own heartbeats to contribute to a global collection on the island of Teshima, Japan – a truly collaborative and moving gesture.
The Dobrée Museum’s “Open Hearts” isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to contemplate the most fundamental aspects of what it means to be human. It’s a testament to the power of art and history to illuminate our present and inspire reflection on our future. For those planning a visit to Nantes, or simply seeking a thought-provoking cultural experience, this exhibition is a must-see. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of cultural events and breaking news from around the globe.
