Golden women: a tribute at the National Assembly

From September 21, 2023, the French National Assembly will host a remarkable exhibition paying tribute to ten great female figures in French history. Ten gold statues, representing these iconic women, will be on display to pay tribute to their impact on society and their contribution to the advancement of women’s rights.

This initiative is part of a drive to recognize the importance of women in history, which is often downplayed. The exhibition, set up in the heart of Paris, echoes a desire to re-establish the balance between male and female representations in symbolic places of power.

Women in the spotlight: a necessary tribute

The Ten Golden Statues exhibition at the French National Assembly is distinguished by its ambition: to restore to their rightful place women who, over the centuries, have left their mark on French history. Among the women honored are pioneers in fields as varied as science, politics, art and human rights. These meticulously crafted statues are designed not only to commemorate their contributions, but also to symbolize female strength and resilience.

In this collection, the statues of Simone Veil, Olympe de Gouges and Louise Michel are particularly eagerly awaited. Their presence in this landmark of French democracy sends out a powerful message: their fight for women’s rights and social justice must never be forgotten.

The opening of the exhibition coincides with the International Day of Peace, a symbolic choice that underlines the key role these women have played in promoting peace, equality and justice.

Paris, center of art and historical recognition

Paris, a city of art and culture, has always played a central role in celebrating the female figures of history. Parisian art galleries, monuments and museums are home to numerous works dedicated to women, but this exhibition at the National Assembly marks a step forward in female representation at the heart of political institutions.

This project is part of a wider drive in the capital to celebrate and recognize female figures, often invisibilized in historical narratives. From the Place des Femmes in the Pantheon to the inauguration of statues in Paris gardens such as the Jardin des Tuileries, there is a growing desire to change attitudes and pay tribute to these figures.

For visitors, this exhibition represents a unique opportunity to discover these women from a new angle, thanks to the work of exceptional craftsmen who have chosen to represent them in gold, a material symbolizing the priceless value of their heritage.

The symbolism of the material: gold, a reflection of greatness

The choice of gold for these statues is not insignificant. A symbol of wealth and power, but also of durability, gold here represents the greatness and importance of these women’s contributions. Their legacy, though sometimes overlooked, is timeless, and this exhibition aims to immortalize their influence.

The gold, gleaming in the natural light of the National Assembly’s Salle des pas perdus, reinforces the contrast between the historical marginalization of these women and the importance they deserve today. It is also a reminder of their resilience in the face of the challenges they have faced in a male-dominated world.

By exhibiting these statues in the heart of the Assembly, a place where crucial decisions for society are taken, we aim to remind people that the battles waged by these women are not just of the past, but continue to inspire current generations. This exhibition is an invitation to reflect on gender equality and the road still to be travelled to achieve real parity.

A not-to-be-missed event in the capital

For anyone interested in art, history or women’s rights, this exhibition is an event not to be missed. It will be on view for several weeks at the Assemblée Nationale, a venue steeped in history, and open to the general public from September 21. This artistic tribute is an ideal opportunity for Paris to recall its role as a cultural capital and pioneer in the celebration of great female historical figures.

To find out more about this event, you can consult the dedicated page on the Assemblée Nationale website, or explore other historic events in Paris by visiting the website of Paris Select.