"Zombis", the new exhibition at Quai Branly

For those who love dark, mysterious atmospheres, or who simply seek a unique and captivating experience in the heart of Paris, the Quai Branly Museum offers an exceptional exhibition on the myth of the zombie. Located just steps away from the Eiffel Tower, this exhibition invites visitors to explore the history, cultures, and representations of this iconic supernatural figure: the "zombi."

A Dive into the Mysterious Origins of the “Zombi”

The “Zombi” exhibition at Quai Branly takes you on a surprising journey through time and space to uncover the profound origins of this emblematic character. Here, the "zombi" is not just the undead figure of Western popular imagination, often associated with horror films and TV series. This term, which may seem unusual, has its roots in African languages and cultures. The word “zombi” comes from the African term “nzambi,” which literally means “spirit of a dead person.” Its journey from Africa to Haiti and eventually to Western pop culture has turned it into something far more than a mere fictional creature.

Haiti, Voodoo, and Zombification: At the Heart of the Myth

The first stop in this cultural exploration leads us to Haiti, where the zombi takes shape within voodoo practices. In Haitian culture, the zombi is deeply tied to spiritual and religious traditions. Unlike the frenzied zombies seen in movies, the Haitian zombi is often a tragic figure—a criminal reduced to servitude by occult rites. Voodoo secret societies, such as the bizango society, play a particular role in this zombification process: they use the figure of the zombi to impose order or punish criminals, transforming them into will-less slaves under the control of the bokor, a voodoo priest.

Between Reality and Fiction: The Zombi in Popular Culture

The exhibition also explores how this ancient myth evolved to become a modern icon, omnipresent in popular culture. Films, series, literature, video games... the zombi is everywhere! It was popularized in the West by works like George Romero’s films but also reinterpreted in pop culture—who doesn’t think of Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller music video? This part of the exhibition shows how the zombi, initially rooted in traditional beliefs, has become a global symbol, both fascinating and terrifying.

The Many Faces of the Zombi: Fashion, Beliefs, and Anthropology

The exhibit offers a captivating exploration of the different dimensions of the zombi, blending history, anthropology, spirituality, and art. Visitors encounter unique pieces such as costumes, ritual objects, contemporary artworks, and film clips. This immersive exhibition not only unveils beliefs surrounding the zombi but also explores the influence of this figure on modern fashion, art, and mythology. The Quai Branly offers more than just an introduction to the zombi—it also reveals the social and cultural realities that shaped this myth.

An Immersive and Educational Exhibition

With "Zombi," Quai Branly offers a visually rich and interactive exhibition. Through carefully crafted staging and immersive installations, visitors are transported into a world where ancient rites, cultural testimonies, and modern representations intersect. This is an invitation to rediscover the zombi from a new angle, far from pop culture clichés, and to grasp the complexity of this figure that, straddling myth and reality, continues to captivate humanity.

By visiting the “Zombi” exhibition, you will be transported into an unforgettable experience—between the shadows of ancient beliefs and the light of a renewed anthropological understanding.

Photo ©Carlo Felipe Ramirez Mesa - Unsplash