The traveling exhibition “Les Elles des Jeux” can be discovered at the National Museum of Sport from November 8, 2023, to September 22, 2024.
On this International Women’s Sports Day, you will be able to explore the exhibition “Les Elles des Jeux”. Indeed, since last November 8, the National Museum of Sport has been hosting the traveling exhibition about the history of women’s sports.
This exhibition allows us to see the entire evolution of female athletes over more than 130 years. It highlights the struggles of female athletes at the Olympic Games: from their exclusion to the fight for equality.
You will find objects, displayed outfits, posters, projections, and figures reminding us that women did not have their place in this sphere.
The Struggle of Female Athletes
In the past, women were excluded from the world of sports and were not allowed to participate in the Games. Female athletes spent decades securing their place in sports in general and in Olympic competition. It was not until 1900, at the Paris Olympic Games, that women participated for the first time. Only twenty-two women participated in five sports.
Long relegated to the role of mere hostesses, lighting the Olympic flame, or even awarding the medals, some women made their voices heard. For example, Alice Milliat, creator of the Women’s World Games in 1922, or more recently athlete Clarisse Agbegnenou. They managed, through their voices or their performances, to claim the place they deserve in the grand legend of world sports.
Today, women’s sports have gained significance in the media sphere. For the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, particular attention is being paid to gender equality and the promotion of women’s sports. Through this initiative, there will be even more opportunities for women to compete and showcase their talent.
An Interactive Exhibition
The tour, composed of 14 panels and divided into six parts, retraces in a chronological and thematic manner the path traveled.
First, you will be immersed in “They Are Not Welcome”. This first part takes us back to the first modern-era Olympic Games, reminding us of the place of women in ancient times who could not participate in the competition.
Next, the tour continues to the second theme “They Take Their Fate Into Their Own Hands”. This theme highlights all the women from various backgrounds who have spoken out to advance the cause.
The circuit continues with “Forever the First” and then “They Make Their Choices”. Women have gradually succeeded in establishing themselves in the world of sports and can finally present themselves as they are. Notably, you can discover the story of Megan Rapinoe, who came out as homosexual.
Finally, the journey concludes with “They Face the Limits of the Body” and “They Await Us at the 2024 Games”. For the first time, 50% of the 10,500 athletes are expected to be women. A historic parity and Games that promise to be symbolic.
Practical Information
National Museum of Sport
6 Allées Camille Muffat
Stade Allianz Riviera
06200 Nice
