Marseille hosts the first exhibition on nudism, for nudists

Marseille: its small slice of the Mediterranean, its pastis, its melodic accent, and its sun that warms anyone's heart is not only a comforting refuge for the French seeking vitamin D and relaxation but also for tourists of all kinds, clothed or not. Indeed, France is the number one naturist tourist destination, and Marseille, with its climate and the convergence of three seas, is often chosen by the nudist community for a sunbathing session in the utmost comfort. And the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region understands this well, and has decided to organize an exhibition on nudism, for nudists. The exhibition «Naturist Paradises» brings together 600 photographs, films, magazines, everyday objects, paintings, drawings, books, prints, and sculptures, allowing the naturist community to visit the exhibition in their birthday suits, as long as they wear shoes.

Nude visits to the Naturist Paradises exhibition are organized in partnership with the French Federation of Naturism one evening per month, during the museum's closing hours. «Anyone wishing to visit the exhibition clothed during these hours might be considered a bit odd,» said the museum’s spokesperson. An innovation in line with the crowd that populates Marseille every summer, but which also demonstrates the city’s open-mindedness and the progressive attitude of its leaders. Furthermore, the initiative goes beyond the exhibition: thanks to the dedication of Jean-Pierre Blanc, co-curator of the exhibition, a whole trail comes to life in the Phoenician city. No less than six venues offer nudist exhibitions, including works, workshops, and meetings among community members.

But how did the nudist community grow to the point of becoming a distinct group that gathers in all four corners of the world to celebrate this unconventional and bold lifestyle choice? It is said that in the past, humans lived in harmony with nature, and modernity severed that special, natural connection, making them slaves and dependent not only on clothes but above all on societal rules and norms. The movement is believed to have originated in Germany and later reached France between the two world wars, brought to French territory by hygienist doctors who questioned the alienation of bodies and sought ways to liberate them from all that enslaves them. Is naturism today merely a product of nostalgia for a time of emancipation, or does it still have something to do with body awareness and well-being? Or is it simply a trivial way to spend holidays avoiding tan lines?

What is clear, in any case, is that naturism is certainly not limited to seeking attention from curious onlookers, as most nudist beaches and locations are exclusively accessible if you’re willing to strip down. «Today, there is a new enthusiasm for nudity in nature, an enthusiasm that goes hand in hand with the pursuit of healthy, vegetarian diets, the use of natural therapies, meditation, and outdoor yoga. These lifestyles, along with the rejection of the societal dictates imposed on our bodies, are key to understanding the challenges of naturism, both past and present,» says the museum. Perhaps living freely in harmony with one’s body and nature is the secret to happiness—who knows, maybe they’ve got it all figured out. For modern art enthusiasts ready to stroll in the nude, the exhibition «Naturist Paradises» is held at the Mucem in Marseille and is open until December 9.