New Immersive Museum in Paris Draws Parallels Between La Fontaine’s Fables and Contemporary Politics
Paris, France – A new immersive museum, “La Cité des Fables” (The City of Fables), opened its doors near the Champs-Élysées on Saturday, September 6th, offering visitors a unique experience centered around the timeless tales of Jean de la Fontaine. While popular fables like The Hare and the Tortoise and The Cicada and the Ant are featured, the museum is also highlighting lesser-known works, including The Frogs Who asked for a King.This 1668 fable, steeped in conservative morality, is resonating with current political discourse, prompting questions about leadership and the potential for tyranny.
The museum’s founder, pierre-Edouard Sterin, aims to bring thes classic stories to life through immersive technology. However,the opening also arrives amidst a growing trend of historical and cultural revivalism,a movement that observers warn has increasingly been co-opted by far-right ideologies as a means of bolstering their narratives.The question remains whether “La Cité des Fables” will navigate this complex cultural landscape and remain a space for genuine engagement with La Fontaine’s work, or become another battleground in the ongoing political debate.
