Right from the entrance, the atmosphere is set. The scenography, designed by the GGSV studio, immerses us in the vibrant energy of legendary New York clubs like Paradise Garage and Studio 54. Neon lights, catwalk-style printed carpets, and a soundtrack mixed by Dimitri From Paris, it's impossible not to get swept away by the hypnotic groove of disco. But beyond the catchy basslines and perfectly choreographed dances, the exhibition reminds us that disco was as much about activism as it was about celebration.
A Dance Floor as a Political Manifesto
Born in the underground clubs where the Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ minorities gathered, disco provided a space of freedom for those who desperately needed it. It was there, under the disco balls, that some of the most significant social struggles of the time unfolded. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor? A feminist and queer anthem ahead of its time. "I’m Coming Out" by Diana Ross? A declaration of LGBTQ+ emancipation carried by a queen of soul. Even the extravagant looks and soaring voices had a political dimension: in a world that tried to make them invisible, these artists chose to shine brighter, stand taller, and be more dazzling.
© Joachim Bertrand
From the stage to the museums, a comeback in history
The exhibition doesn't just stop at music. It unravels the thread of disco culture through fashion (featuring vibrant costumes straight out of the Palace era), the architecture of clubs, and even the technical innovations that propelled this movement on the dance floor. You'll also encounter contemporary works inspired by disco, like those from the Andy Warhol Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, showcasing that the impact of disco stretches far beyond the dancefloor.
The Fall of Disco ?
And then, of course, there’s the fall. Because after the glorious years, the backlash years: in 1979, "Disco Demolition Night" in Chicago turned into a racist and homophobic riot, marking the end of a golden age. But as this exhibition reminds us, disco never really disappeared. It has infused house, electro, and it still shines through the hits of Dua Lipa and the productions of Daft Punk.
©Bill Bernstein_Xenon 1979
Dancing is a revolution
With this vibrant and immersive exhibition, the Philharmonie de Paris is not just offering a nostalgic homage. It shows that disco is still a call to be free, to be yourself, and above all, to celebrate life through dance. Because at its core, that's the true power of disco: transforming a night of celebration into a manifesto, a song into a rallying cry, and a dance floor into a utopia.
Disco, I'm Coming Out
From Friday, February 14 to Sunday, August 17, 2025