A Journey into Crystal

Rock crystal has fascinated every civilisation since time immemorial for its mysterious translucence. The Musée de Cluny – Musée National du Moyen Âge takes visitors on a journey through the history of crystal from the present day to the Middle Ages and beyond.

During medieval times in particular, this colourless quartz was a much coveted material for making tableware and other precious items such as decorative objects and jewellery. Due to the rock’s purity, crystal has also been endowed with powerful symbolic meaning expressed through the production of liturgical pieces and reliquaries.

The exhibition was curated by Isabelle Bardiès-Fronty, Chief Curator of Heritage at the Musée de Cluny – National Museum of the Middle Ages, and Stéphane Pennec, archaeologist, curator and restorer, and President of AÏNU.

Organised by the Musée de Cluny – Musée National du Moyen Âge and the Réunion des musées nationaux - Grand Palais with the special participation of the Musée du Louvre , the exhibition features works from Musée de Cluny and objects on loan from national and international institutions. The exhibition is supported by L'École des Arts Joailliers.