The exhibition covers the art of personal grooming in Antiquity and the Middle Ages, revealing how Greco-Roman customs were imported and Classical influences affected the Medieval practice of personal hygiene.
This is an opportunity to admire an exceptional collection, including 250 works of art and objects from the period: grooming essentials including make-up boxes, perfume jars, combs, mirrors, precious and ordinary items as well as small grooming tools. This wide range also boasts sculptures, paintings on vases and paintings on wood.

The cold room in the frigidarium is set aside for Classical beauty treatments and will be displaying a range of statues of Aphrodite in the bath along with everyday items (make-up, ointments and perfumes), as well as precious metal objects from Italy… The rooms in the Hôtel de Cluny will meanwhile be dedicated to the Medieval period. Contrary to the still-prevalent idea of a dark Middle Ages, it demonstrates the variety of grooming rituals and the lavishness of accessories such as delicately sculpted Gothic combs, demonstrating the refinement achieved by some objects.

At the same time as this exhibition, the Musée National de la Renaissance in Ecouen is offering an exhibition entitled "Le Bain et le Miroir: Soins du corps et cosmétiques à la Renaissance ", until 21st September. A joint ticket is available for both exhibitions.