The exhibition “Zombies, Origins” explores the fascinating and unsettling figure of the zombie, far removed from Hollywood clichés. Through 741 m² of immersive scenery in Hall 11 of the Musée des Confluences, visitors are invited to dive into a universe where the lines between the dead and the living blur.
Far from being just a movie monster, the zombie has its roots in Haiti, amidst the painful context of the transatlantic slave trade. A legacy of the magical-religious practices of sub-Saharan Africa, infused with Catholicism and enriched by the knowledge of Caribbean peoples, the zombie tells a story that runs far deeper than it seems.
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A Journey to the Heart of Voodoo and Zombification
Ritual objects, tales, and practices related to Haitian voodoo unveil the mechanisms of zombification. The exhibit highlights the mastery of plants and poisons by indigenous peoples and their role in creating this chilling myth. More than just a legend, the zombi reflects a collective memory tied to slavery, domination, and ancient fears.
The exhibition weaves a connection between beliefs and contemporary culture. By incorporating cinema, visual arts, and current creations, it showcases how the figure of the zombie has traversed the centuries to become a must-have icon of pop culture, from horror films to the most legendary series.
A unique Lyonnaise adaptation
Originally developed by the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris, the exhibition enjoyed great success from October 2024 to February 2025. Renamed and reinvented in Lyon, it takes on a new dimension thanks to a refreshed scenography and the unique collections of the Musée des Confluences.
Musée des Confluences
86 quai Perrache Hall D - Lyon 2e
From October 17, 2025on August 16, 2026
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