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The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (Mucem) in France is hosting an exhibition called Naturist Paradises, where guests can explore the art completely naked.
Mucem features over 600 items gathered from naturist communities. (Representative Image)
A museum in Marseille, France, is offering a truly unique experience for art lovers and adventure-seekers alike. The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (Mucem) is hosting a special exhibition titled Naturist Paradises, where visitors can explore art completely naked. Held once a month in collaboration with the French Naturist Federation (FFN), the exhibition delves into the history of naturism in Europe. Featuring over 600 items, including “photographs, films, magazines, everyday objects, as well as paintings, drawings, books, prints and sculptures,” the exhibit offers a rare glimpse into naturist communities and their cultural heritage.
According to The New York Times, visitors attending the Naturist Paradises exhibition at Mucem are required to undress in a designated changing area before entering the gallery. Some guests opt to wrap themselves in towels or sarongs as they make their way through the museum’s lobby to the warmly heated exhibition space. The museum had ensured the gallery was heated after initial complaints about the cold, as shared by curator Amelie Lavin. Visitors were allowed to wear shoes and other accessories. A man wore a fedora with casual slides, while a woman wore a stunning necklace. In classic French style, an older gentleman draped a small pink towel around his neck like a scarf.
Speaking with the portal, Jule Baumann, one of the visitors, said, “Normally, bodies are so sexualized. I liked the idea of being in a place where it’s just normal to be naked.”
Meanwhile, Stephane Deschenes, the president of the International Naturist Federation, said, “I always say that nudity is a tool, a very effective tool, to get people to achieve body acceptance. But it’s not the objective. We are constantly trying to rationalize, and justify, and explain it.”
According to Deschenes, France is considered the leading destination for naturist vacations, attracting around two million tourists annually. Of these visitors, half are locals, while the other half come from various countries around the world.
Mucem highlights that France has become the top destination for naturist tourism, thanks to its mild climate and access to three seas. This favourable environment has fostered the growth of well-established naturist communities, which are less common in other European countries, with Switzerland being a notable exception. In many parts of France, naturism is practised more casually.
