New Exhibition at the Hôtel Départemental des Expositions du Var in Draguignan

The Hôtel Départemental des Expositions du Var in Draguignan presents an extraordinary exhibition titled “Gardens and Palaces of the Orient,” a cultural event that delves into the beauty and history of Oriental gardens and palaces.

The exhibition, created in collaboration with the Louvre Museum, showcases 260 works, more than 200 of which are from the renowned Parisian museum. This is an immersive and poetic experience that celebrates the grandeur of Oriental gardens and palaces through a visual and sensory journey.

The exhibition is divided into three main sections: a journey through the mythical gardens of antiquity, the palace-gardens of medieval Spain, and, most notably, the imperial gardens of Safavid Iran. Visitors will embark on a journey into the heart of the Ottoman world and Mughal India, while also exploring the realm of modern gardens.

Thanks to an exceptional partnership with the Louvre Museum, over 200 works have been loaned, including 160 pieces from the Islamic Arts department. The exhibition spans three floors of the Hôtel Départemental des Expositions du Var and is organized as an initiatory journey, divided into three parts:

1. The symbolic meaning of gardens in antiquity, as places of life, rest, or eternal bliss, particularly in the Near East and ancient Egypt.
2. The architecture of palaces and gardens, tracing the evolution of major civilizations until the early 19th century.
3. The Oriental garden as an inspiration for poetry and literature, exploring its impact on cultural traditions.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors will have access to sensory and auditory devices that invite them to personally experience the journey, turning each visit into a “promenade” through the rooms.

The “Gardens and Palaces of the Orient” exhibition is open until April 6, 2025, and can be visited at the Hôtel Départemental des Expositions du Var, located at Boulevard Maréchal Foch 1 in Draguignan. The rooms are open every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, without interruption.