Exhibition : Magellan, A Journey that changed the world

At the Musée National de la Marine

Through to March, 1st, 2026.

Who has never dreamed, at the mention of Magellan's name, of his incredible adventures across the oceans, and the discovery of unknown worlds? Ferdinand Magellan (1480- 1521), a great Portuguese navigator and explorer in the service of Spain, gave his name to the famous strait that he crossed in 1520 during a legendary voyage. The first man to have circumnavigated the world, he is today celebrated by the National Maritime Museum, which is dedicating an event exhibition to him until March 1: Magellan, A Journey that Changed the World.

The scenography, spectacular and immersive, blends monumental projections, animated drawings, and theatrical sets. The visitor is invited to follow one of the navigator's crew members to relive each stage of this fabulous journey: life on board, the discovery of unknown lands, the peoples encountered, the storms and dangers of the sea, not to mention the political and economic stakes of an expedition to still unexplored territories. A truly fresh look at one of the greatest maritime feats in history.

Five centuries after this first circumnavigation, come and discover in an immersion accessible to all, the many facets of this expedition that set off from Seville in Spain, on September 20, 1519, with the aim of reaching Indonesia where cloves

grow, a much-coveted spice. Departing with 237 men on five ships, only 18 adventurers would return on a single vessel, without Magellan, who himself was killed during the voyage. This three-year journey led these men to the discovery of new lands and a strangely calm new ocean, which they would name "Pacific."

The visitor will discover each stage of this journey in a space of nearly 1,000 m2 structured with numerous installations, bathed in images and sounds. The feat of Magellan and his 86,000-kilometer expedition will have proven that the globe could be entirely navigated on a single ocean, soon to be drawn by cartographers.

History, great human adventure, sciences, navigation techniques, and maritime issues come together here in a fascinating exhibition, at the heart of the National Maritime Museum.

Affiche de l'exposition, Dessins : REMEMBERS. Adapté de la collection documentaire « L’Incroyablepériple de Magellan » écrite et réalisée par François de Riberolles, produite par Camera Lucida © CAMERA LUCIDA PRODUCTIONS - ARTE France – MINIMAL FILMS – BELGICA FILMS – SERENA

Palais de Chaillot

17 Place du Trocadéro

75016 Paris