Bande annonce de l’exposition «Don Quichotte. Histoire de fou, histoire d’en rire»
After honouring Jean Genet, Jean Giono and Gustave Flaubert, the Mucem continues its literary journey by celebrating a hero born in Spain, whose tale travelled far and wide until it became a legend: Don Quixote
In 1605, Miguel de Cervantes created a character who believes himself a knight-errant in a book where he is little more than an antihero. Like an old man returned to childhood, he acts out the tales born of his imagination both “for real” and “for fun”. With his loyal Sancho by his side, he sets out to rescue the oppressed who never called for help and princesses no one else can see. One declaims lofty, antiquated speeches, the other answers with endless chains of proverbs. Together they ride into parodic battles, while the author revels in clever reflections on fiction and on himself.
After honouring Jean Genet, Jean Giono and Gustave Flaubert, the Mucem continues its literary journey by celebrating a hero born in Spain, whose tale travelled far and wide until it became a legend: Don Quixote
In 1605, Miguel de Cervantes created a character who believes himself a knight-errant in a book where he is little more than an antihero. Like an old man returned to childhood, he acts out the tales born of his imagination both “for real” and “for fun”. With his loyal Sancho by his side, he sets out to rescue the oppressed who never called for help and princesses no one else can see. One declaims lofty, antiquated speeches, the other answers with endless chains of proverbs. Together they ride into parodic battles, while the author revels in clever reflections on fiction and on himself.
Bande annonce de l’exposition «Don Quichotte. Histoire de fou, histoire d’en rire»
Related activities or events
View full agenda- Free of charge
Je suis la nuit en plein midi by Gaspard Hirschi
Preview
In Marseilles, for over 30 years, the street has been disappearing behind the grilles and sliding gates of enclosed housing estates. In some cases, more than half the ground surface is fenced off; through-roads are blocked, and residents’ movements impeded – between resignation and territorial inevitability. In Gaspard Hirschi’s film Je suis la nuit en plein midi, two ubiquitous characters raise the realities of urban fragmentation, leading to isolation, withdrawal and...
Je suis la nuit en plein midi, by Gaspard Hirschi (1h23). Preview in Marseille, echoing the “Don Quichotte” exhibition, followed by a discussion with the film crew, Valérie Gerbaud, CMCA General Delegate and the curators of the “Don Quichotte. Histoire de fou, histoire d’en rire”, Aude Fanlo and Helia Paukner. As part of PriMed, the Mediterranean documentary film festival, and in collaboration with Théâtre du Centaure.On Thursday, Dec 4, 2025
at 20h
J4 / Auditorium
In the footsteps of Don Quixote
Dramatized tour for families aged 6 to 10
Welcome to the world of Don Quixote, the dreamy, crazy knight! Armed with all his courage, he sets off on an adventure with his faithful Rossinante and his squire Sancho. During this theatrical tour, in conjunction with the exhibition “Don Quixote. Histoire de fou, histoire d’en rire” exhibition, children meet Dulcinea, confront windmills, puppets and other enemies. Get ready for a unique adventure!Until Saturday, Mar 28, 2026
J4
- Free of charge
The art of complexity: Edgar Morin, Don Quixote and us
Pop Philosophy Week
Pop Philosophy Week is back in Marseille, from October 11 to 18, 2025. This 17ᵉ season, Éloge de la complexité – face au simplisme et au populisme is an invitation to think against the reductive currents of simplism and the easy seductions of populism. Exceptionally, it will be under the patronage of Edgar Morin, an essential guide on the paths of complexity and holder of the UNESCO Chair in Complex Thinking. Confirming the strong link between a museum of civilization and a festival of...On Thursday, Oct 16, 2025
at 18h30
J4 / Auditorium
- Free of charge
Don Quixote" exhibition open house
Relive the great journey of Don Quixote and his faithful squire Sancho Pança in a Marseilles epic, between the Corniche and the Mucem.
Artists from the Théâtre du Centaure and actors from the film Je suis la nuit en plein midi* will roam the city on horseback and moped, meeting the public. Join us on the esplanade of J4 for an original performance followed by a pop concert. An open house of rhythm, fantasy and imagination, to be experienced on Mucem’s social networks too!
The program 9am – 1pm Traversée de don Quichotte et Sancho Pança, from the Corniche to Mucem 5:30 pm Visitors are welcomed at the exhibition gates by actors from the film Je suis la nuit en plein midi*, access J4 7pm Speeches by the exhibition curators 7:30 – 8:30 pm Concert by Spanish band El Buen Hijo The exhibition is free from 4pm to 9pm. Bar and snack bar on the J4 roof terrace.On Wednesday, Oct 15, 2025
at 16h
Out of doors & J4
- Free of charge
El retablo de Maese Pedro
En Ribambelle!
Puppet interludes adapted in French in the exhibition "Don Quichotte. Histoire de fou, histoire d'en rire" for ages 4 and up
As part of the exhibition “Don Quichotte. Histoire de fou, histoire d’en rire” exhibition, Spanish puppeteers from Compagnie Máquina Real present brief interludes inspired by the musical puppet theater “El retablo de Maese Pedro” (Master Peter’s castelet), featured in the exhibition. This is an opportunity for the whole family to discover the world of puppets in Don Quixote’s time, reliving the chapter in the novel where Don Quixote embarks on a battle...On Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025
J4 / Showroom - Ground floor
Caballero soy
En Ribambelle!
Puppet show for ages 8 and up
Caballero soy (I am a knight) won the Spanish Young People’s Show Award. In this production, Cervantes himself – or rather, his puppet – narrates the adventures of his hero in the first person, embodying the famous “knight in shining armor” he dreamed of being. A show designed to make you discover Cervantes and his novel with joy and laughter… and to dream with your eyes open. Text based on the work of Miguel de Cervantes. Directed and dramaturgied by...On Thursday, Oct 23, 2025 and on Friday, Oct 24, 2025
at 15h
J4 / Auditorium
With the support of
Media partners
In partnership with
The "Don Quichotte" exhibition can be seen at the Paris Gare de Lyon station from October 15 to December 10, 2025.
A subsidiary of SNCF Réseau, SNCF Gares & Connexions specializes in railway stations, from design to operation and marketing. With its 3,000 French stations, it is committed to constantly improving the quality of its operations, inventing new services and modernizing its assets on behalf of its 10 million daily passengers and visitors. Every year, nearly 300 exhibitions, interventions and artistic events are designed specifically for stations throughout France, in partnership with leading institutions.