In honor of its 120th anniversary on June 30, 2023, the Maison de Victor Hugo is curating an exquisite exhibition from May 10 to September 3, 2023.

This tribute provides a golden opportunity to immerse oneself anew in the masterpieces of the namesake literary titan.

Hugo was a literary polymath, masterfully crafting poetry, novels, and plays. His magnum opus, “Les Misérables,” is more than a sweeping epic; it’s a plea for social justice, revealing the underbelly of Parisian society with a rawness hitherto unseen. His other notable masterpiece, “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” immortalized the Gothic grandeur of Paris in prose.

Yet, Hugo was more than a creator of literary classics. A fervent advocate for human rights, he championed the downtrodden and disenfranchised, his voice ringing out against the injustices of his time.

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In 1902, journalist, playwright, and confidante of Hugo, Paul Meurice, commemorated his centenary by inaugurating a museum in the Hôtel de Rohan Guéménée, where the illustrious poet resided from 1832 to 1848.

Since its inception, the museum has illuminated the cultural scene, amassing an enviable collection, significantly augmented by the descendants of Victor Hugo and generous benefactors.

The collections meticulously safeguard Victor Hugo’s drawings, sentimental objects, and even furniture crafted by Hugo himself. Works that illustrate his writings, photographs, paintings, sculptures, prints, manuscripts, and archives, along with a library, are all part of the collection. The variety, quality, and spirit of these curated pieces, as presented here, offer a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Hugo’s life and work.

This year, the institution marks its 120th year, serving as a fitting occasion to honor the man, the wordsmith, the artist, and his vibrant entourage.

On the docket are over 230 items, a melange of period photographs, documents, manuscripts, sketches, furniture, paintings, and prints. The exhibit will also feature works by artists like Julius Balthazar, who donated his Hugo-inspired creations, and Arnulf Rainer, known for his reinterpretations of Hugo’s sketches.

The exhibition, divided into four segments, will showcase its expansive collection amassed over the decades. A magnificent homage to the French literary luminary, the founding of the museum, and its storied history. 6 place des Vosges 75004 Paris. www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr