Louvre-Lens hosts exhibition on the art of happiness and cuteness

The Louvre-Lens museum is hosting an unconventional exhibition titled ‘Trop mignon! L'art du bonheur’ (Too Cute! The Art of Happiness), running from September 23, 2026, to January 18, 2027. The exhibition explores the cultural phenomenon of ‘cuteness’ and its impact on human emotions, spanning from antiquity to the modern era.

Featured works include Egyptian cats, ancient statues of infants, and portraits by artists such as Théodore Géricault, Auguste Renoir, and Chardin. The collection also incorporates contemporary elements, including works by Jeff Koons, Philippe Katerine, and Annette Messager, alongside themes involving animals, pastel colors, and the ‘kawaii’ aesthetic.

Designed to be family-friendly, the museum offers various activities for children, including sensory tools, game booklets, and creative workshops. The programming also includes cinema screenings featuring characters from works like ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ and ‘Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea’.