Exhibition explores human-animal relationships
The Animal culte exhibition at the Confluences museum in Lyon examines how humans interact with animals, covering emotional connections, cultural meanings, and environmental effects. It runs from October 16 to August 15, 2027, and includes over 330 items from various fields.Animals in childhood and culture
The exhibition shows how animals are part of human life from an early age, appearing in toys, stories, and fables. These representations often teach moral lessons, and keeping pets can help children learn care and empathy, as seen in traditions like the Tuareg people giving goats to girls.Exploitation and environmental impact
The exhibition also addresses the use and abuse of animals, from hunting to fishing. It includes discussions on sustainable living and features examples like the beaver, which helps restore ecosystems after humans have damaged them. Once hunted for their fur, beavers are now seen as environmental engineers.Cultural artifacts and artistic representations
The exhibition includes a range of cultural items and artworks, such as the poster The Nest Finder from the late 19th century and a tapestry inspired by Princess Mononoke by Hayao Miyazaki. These items highlight how animals have been depicted and valued across different cultures and times.