Marie Antoinette exhibition bringing 18th century French Queen’s life and times to Yokohama.
Her “Let them eat cake” moment is perhaps her most famous but whether indeed Marie Antoinette actually uttered those words is unclear: either way, you can skim through her closet and accessories at this exhibition, get a glimpse into her life and, perhaps, make up your own mind.
Ever since Sofia Coppola released the aesthetically gorgeous Marie Antoinette movie back in 2006, with Kirsten Dunst in the lead role, countless girls around the world, including yours truly, had their interest peeked by the fascinating character that was Marie Antoinette: a naive girl and her life as a young queen in the opulent and eccentric court at Versailles.
Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette in 2006
With bubblegum shades, frilly dresses, pastel-hued macarons, diamonds and pearls, she made every girl dream (despite the tragic side of her story, overshadowed by aforementioned accessories).
Whether you fantasize about fancy dresses or have a genuine historical interest in the most famous queen of France, La Vie de Marie Antoinette will have something to rock your socks. This exhibition, held in conjunction with the Musee Carnavalet in Paris and the Napoleon Hill Foundation, showcases some 120 paintings, crafts and family heirlooms, including wigs, costumes and meticulous recreations of the royal palace.
Photos are allowed, so you can endlessly peruse the intricate jewellery and detailed gowns, going through a variety of styles, from nightgown-like to cupcake-like. History buffs will appreciate the unraveled timeline and browsing through the artifacts according to the period of her life.
La Vie de Marie Antoinette, see detailed website here (Japanese only)
When: Sept. 15- Nov. 18 (closed October 2nd), 10:00-20:00
Where: Sogo Museum of Art, 2-18-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama (see map)
How much: ¥1200/ ¥900 (students)
by Vivian Morelli
