La Monnaie de Paris returns to the history of the Olympic medal with the Gold, Silver and Bronze exhibition, on view from March 27 to November 3, 2024.
They will soon become a very important subject of discussion throughout the world: the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, and especially the medals which reward the athletes, attract all eyes. Each country encourages its athletes, hoping that they bring back the most medals possible at home. Symbols of the victory, medals are at the center of all the concerns of sports fans… And the Money of Paris.
The cultural institution is taking advantage of these Olympic Games to tell us the small and big history of these Olympic medals. In exposure never before seen, presented from March 27 to November 3, 2024, the museum explains everything you need to know about these very special awards. Discover the exhibition without delay Gold, silver and bronze.
During the first modern Games, in 1896, only the first two winners of an event received a medal: the first in silver, the second in copper. It was not until the 1904 Games that the system of three medals – gold, silver and bronze – was adopted. There Money of Paris tells us this long story, while revealing the specifics of these rewards.
Each edition of the Games has seen the emergence of its own design, making the medals unique – although they must respect rules specific measures put in place by the IOC.
The museum therefore returns to each of these medals, including the first which was made at the Monnaie de Paris. But that’s not all. The course also explores the symbols hidden behind these decorations, the meaning they have for the athletes, for companies and sports fans.
Summer or winter games, ecological considerations, symbols of victory and patriotism: every detail is thought out, adapted to the concerns of the time, of the country. La Monnaie de Paris explains each development, while revealing astonishing historical pieces, such as posters, diplomas or art objects created for the Olympic Games.
An exhibition you absolutely must see, to better appreciate the medals that will soon be won by our French sportsmen !
