Wax

A unique exhibition dedicated to wax fabric, its unique history and its rise around the world

Until 7 September 2025, the Musée de l'Homme is devoting an original exhibition to wax and its unique history. Inspired by the Indonesian fabric batik, wax, with its cheerful colours and whimsical patterns, offers a rich variety of fabrics, a source of creation for contemporary designers, stylists and artists. Spread over 430 m², the exhibition retraces the history of this fabric, which was discovered by Ghanaian soldiers on the island of Java in the mid-19th century, then industrialised by Europeans in Africa, before enjoying a major international boom and a real craze in Western societies over the last ten years.