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Opening times and Access
Open from November 30th, 2024, to July 5th, 2025
Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM
Late openings until 8 PM on December 6th and December 13th
At the Paris Foreign Missions, 128 rue du Bac – 75007 Paris
Admission:
– Full price: €8
– Reduced price: €6
– Group rate for children: €5
Guided Tours:
Guided tours with an MEP guide: every Wednesday at 3 PM, and every Saturday at 10 AM and 3 PM
The Nazareth printing press in Hong Kong, the Great Mosque of Medan in Indonesia, the Benares stairs on the Ganges in India, or the mission of Tsarahasina in Madagascar: throughout these landmarks, the exhibition highlights the richness and diversity of the historical, cultural, religious, and human heritage in MEP mission countries.
Since 1658, our Society plays a significant role in intercultural, interfaith, and social dialogue in Asia and the Indian Ocean. During this journey, the visitors go through 360 years of adventures along the paths forged by the Paris Foreign Missions Society.
Alongside the exhibition, a rich cultural program prolongs the experience, including guided tours, concerts, workshops, and a contest for young audiences.
A UNIQUE EXHIBITION MADE WIT H LEGO BRICKS
Why use Lego bricks for this exhibition?
The concept is modern, unifying, intergenerational, and multicultural. Lego bricks resonate with a wide audience and can be used by people of all ages, from 7 to 77 years old. This exhibition aims to tell the story of human heritage in a “different” way, while also showcasing extraordinary constructions. As a tool for contemporary artistic expression, building bricks are more than just toys – they become an innovative communication medium combining play, creativity, and education.
A total of 300,000 bricks were needed to create these models, with the largest measuring over 2 meters long. Every piece from the Lego repertoire and universe was used to create real works of art, as detailed and realistic as possible. Decorative elements and figurines help contextualize the models by recreating the environments and the places represented. The creative process, including design and software modelling, is also highlighted in the exhibition.
Histoire en Briques & Epicure studio
A Key Partner
Mission 128 entrusted the realization of this exhibition project to Histoire en Briques®, , which has extensive experience in the museographic and scenographic design of Lego brick exhibitions.
To date, Histoire en Briques® has:
– Over 2 million visitors across all their cultural, educational, and tourist exhibitions
– More than 4 million bricks used each year.
THE WANDERINGSOF ANMEP VOLUNTEER IN ASIA AN D THE INDIANOCEAN
Accompanied by an MEP volunteer, immerse yourself in the heart of the history of the Society and discover the first missions of the MEP. Dive into the cultures and religions of Asia. Experience social and educational action firsthand. Share faith while respecting cultures.
- In the Footsteps of the First «Bridge Builders”
- On the Path of Dialogue
- Helping Those in Need
- Inculturation at the Heart of the Message
A COMMIT MEN T BEYOND THE EXHIBITION
Volontariat MEP – MEP Volunteer Program
19 countries
130 volunteers sent per year
80 projects supported on the ground
Nowadays, volunteering has become essential in building a more equitable and inclusive world. Everyone has unique talents and skills they can be proud of and put to use in the service of others.
There are numerous and varied needs in countries in Asia and the Indian Ocean. Young people are a powerful force providing additional support to the local Church, local partners, and vulnerable communities.
The MEP Volunteer Program projects and the remarkable work accomplished by the volunteers are showcased in the exhibition: teaching, activities for children, support for people with disabilities, medical aid, civil engineering, sustainable development… It’s an invitation for all young people to get involved!
Solidarity Shop – Support Associations Working in Asia and the Indian Ocean
As a bridge between France, Asia, and the Indian Ocean, this exhibition is also an opportunity to give visibility and support associations working closely with local communities.
Throughout the exhibition, a solidarity shop will open at the MEP and offer artisanal products made locally. By visiting the exhibition and the solidarity shop, you support the actions of partner associations dedicated to youth education, vocational training, social integration, healthcare and sustainable economic development.
AVENIR CAMBODGE
Avenir Cambodge supports development projects led by the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh, particularly focusing on the «Village of Peace» in Choumkartieng, Takéo region. For over 20 years, this village has fostered inclusive professional development, aiding those with disabilities, women, and the impoverished. Key projects include traditional silk and cotton weaving and creating 100% recycled products like soaps and sandals. Education is also a priority, with the Apostolic Vicariate offering training programs. At Saint Paul’s University, students cultivate Kampot pepper, a spice with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), celebrated for its unique flavor and historical value.
ÉCOLES DE MADAGASCAR (Schools of Madagascar)
Founded in 2010 by former volunteers of the Paris Foreign Missions and Father Bertrand de Bourran (MEP), Écoles de Madagascar funds the construction of schools in northern Madagascar, allowing more children to access education.
HOWRAH SOUTH POINT (HSP)
After living for nine years in a slum in Kolkata, Father François Laborde, from the Prado, founded the association Howrah South Point (HSP) in 1976. Six years ago, Father Laurent Bissara (MEP) took over, continuing and revitalizing the association’s mission with dedication. HSP tirelessly works to promote human dignity by assisting the poorest and supporting people with disabilities. Active in Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Asansol, and Howrah, the association has developed programs in four areas: providing children’s homes, education, healthcare, and social support. At the core of its mission, HSP manages nine social homes, 11 schools, health programs, and initiatives for rehabilitation and training. HSP directly impacts the lives of over 2,000 families each year, not to mention the 220 employees, who themselves come from the poorest backgrounds. The handicrafts available for sale in the Solidarity shop are produced at the Maria Basti home, by young women with disabilities.
KARUNA CAMBODGE
Karuna Cambodge supports schools across Cambodia, providing children with education, defending their rights, helping them achieve their dreams, and breaking the cycle of poverty.
OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN
This association supports Southeast Asian women in achieving their entrepreneurial dreams, enabling them to thrive through traditional crafts. With a focus on environmental sustainability, Opportunity for Women helps fund materials, develop responsible products (like cushions, placemats, accessories), and create lasting markets in France and Europe.
TERRES KARENS
Founded in 2010 by former volunteers, Terres Karens supports the Karen ethnic minority in northern Thailand, particularly around Maesot. The association preserves traditional weaving techniques, supporting women’s work, combating rural exodus, and fostering local economies. Terres Karens has established a yarn cooperative and sewing workshop, with finished products sold in France to benefit Karen women artisans and to expand the project to new villages.
OUR PARTNERS
ARILIM
ARILIM ASSURANCES is a family-owned insurance brokerage firm with offices in Lyon, Paris, and Toulon. Specializing in property and business risk insurance, ARILIM ASSURANCES supports its clients in selecting personalized insurance solutions. With a team of experts and a client-focused approach, ARILIM ASSURANCES is committed to providing tailored services to meet each client’s needs.
ART SACRE II
The association L’Art sacré 2 aims to raise awareness of the artistic and symbolic value of sacred art, both contemporary and traditional. It is intellectually af filiated with the Dominican Province of France, inspired by the renowned journal L’Art sacré led by Fathers Couturier and Régamey from 1935 to 1969. Its main mission is to promote sacred art, support initiatives that preserve religious heritage, and foster exchanges with artists. This mission is carried out through conferences, publications, concerts, symposia, educational events, and tours, targeting all audiences. With the support of La Sauvegarde de l’Art Français, a foundation of public interest, the association also works to preserve the architectural and artistic heritage of religious buildings and monuments.
CENTRE CULTUREL DE TAÏWAN
Founded in 1994 and part of the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture, the CCTP has two main missions: to showcase Taiwan’s major cultural achievements and trends in France and Europe, and to facilitate cultural exchanges with French and European partners. This helps offer Taiwanese artists and culture international exposure.
FONDATION NOTRE DAME
Avec le soutien de A public-interest foundation since 1992, Fondation Notre Dame channels generosity toward those most in need. For over 30 years, it has promoted solidarity, supporting people across all life stages. In 2023, the foundation and its 59 affiliated foundations allocated €32 million across 670 projects, focusing on six main areas: poverty, vulnerability, family, job integration, culture, media, and heritage. Since its inception, it has directed 286 million euros toward these efforts in France and some foreign countries, entirely funded by private donations without public subsidies.
INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE FRANCE-ASIE (IRFA)
IRFA is dedicated to preserving, enriching, and promoting the heritage of the Paris Foreign Missions (MEP), a society of Catholic priests founded in 1658 and active in 15 countries across Asia and the Indian Ocean. This heritage, reflecting four centuries of cultural exchanges and research, is housed in Paris and available to the research community, offering resources to explore the history of the MEP in Asia.
TOWN HALL OF THE 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT
Since 1865, the Town Hall of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, located in the Hôtel de Villars, has served as a central venue for Parisians’ civic life and important community events in the district: birth registrations, school enrolments, census, marriage, death, commemorative ceremonies, and public voting. Since 2008, Mayor Rachida Dati has made the town hall and its gardens accessible for cultural events and community gatherings, making the arrondissement a welcoming space for all. Culture is seen as a way to transcend limitations, foster individual journeys, and build connections among diverse people. Reflecting the richness of French culture, the classic architecture of the Hôtel de Villars represents both heritage and a continuous openness to the present.
MAISON DE LA CULTURE DU JAPON EN FRANCE
Since 1997, the Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris has shared Japanese culture, both traditional and modern, with a wide audience. Its activities present a diverse view of Japanese culture, including exhibitions, live performances, cinema, conferences, and a
library. Recently, there’s been a growing emphasis on promoting the Japanese language, as well as hands-on classes like tea ceremony, calligraphy, ikebana (flower arranging), origami, and manga.
MVAC 7
The MVAC 7 is a community center in the 7th arrondissement, dedicated to local associations, their volunteers, and residents. It fosters partnerships and enhances local life, offering information on civic participation. MVAC 7 serves as a resource for discovering local sports, solidarity, and cultural associations, with a range of free programming open to all, including workshops and lectures in a friendly and welcoming environment.
ODEIA
Odeia is a travel agency specializing in cultural trips and Catholic pilgrimages, taking travelers to significant Christian sites around the world to connect with Christian communities globally.
PRIONS EN ÉGLISE JUNIOR
Prions en Église Junior offers young readers the complete readings for Sunday Mass, with beautiful illustrations and explanations of difficult words, plus a Gospel activity section for deeper understanding. This resource guides children in joyful Christian life with sections like «Prayer Corner» for reflection, inspiring stories, and a lively comic that explores the lives of saints. Published by Bayard Jeunesse, it’s designed for ages 7 to 11.
TRÉSORS DE PARIS
The mission of Trésors de Paris is to introduce young people to Christian heritage, inspiring them with its beauty and providing them with interpretative tools. The guides organize interactive tours for children and youth, revealing the insights of Christian heritage through art. Conducted by passionate experts in sacred art, these small-group tours use engaging booklets as educational tools to capture the attention and memory of young visitors.
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