From April 11 to August 17, 2025, the Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris will host the exhibition “Banlieues chéries,” which offers an intimate look at these unique suburbean territories, at the crossroads of art, history, and social dynamics.
As gateways to major cities, suburbs are often perceived through reductive prisms. The term itself encompasses a wide variety of realities, often reduced to the contrast between supposedly peaceful residential areas and long-maligned housing projects. Yet, the suburbs reflect a rich social and cultural heritage that is integral to French history.
Bringing together more than 200 archival documents, paintings, installations, videos, photographs, and personal accounts, the exhibition explores these beloved suburbs as places of memory and transmission. From the red belt to the “suburban crisis” and the construction of large housing estates, the exhibition offers a multiplicity of perspectives from the end of the 19th century to the present day. This exhibition and its accompanying program are part of the Palais de la Porte Dorée’s commitment to challenging preconceived ideas through an accurate understanding of history and contemporary social and political issues.
What the France invites you to discover the official playlist of the exhibition “Banlieues chéries,” of which the CNM is a partner. The program includes works performed by Aristide Bruant, Mistinguett, Edith Piaf, Jean Gabin, Damia, Reda Caire, Robert Lamoureux, Django Reinhardt, Fréhel, Andrex, Jean Ferrat, Gilbert Bécaud, Bernard Lavilliers, Jacques Higelin, Daniel Balavoine, Pierre Perret, Karim Kacel, Charles Aznavour, Renaud, Michel Jonasz, La Souris Déglinguée, Bérurier Noir, Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine, Trust, Carte De Séjour, MC Solaar, Raggasonic, Akhenaton & Fonky Family & Shurik’n, Ste Strausz, Les Little, Les Sages Poètes De La Rue, Kery James, Expression Direkt, Mafia K’1 Fry, NTM, Ol Kainry & Médine & Tunisiano & Sinik, Tonton David, Savant Des Rimes, CSRD & Adam G (Bass Click), Keny Arkana, Diam’s, Booba, Lady Laistee, Disiz, Sanseverino, Java & R.Wan, Etienne de Crécy, Laurent Garnier, Air, 113 & Booba, Klub Des Loosers, Heretik System, Mondotek, La Rumeur, IAM, Ideal J, Bouga, Casey & Ekoué, Disiz & Soprano & Diam’s, Rocé, MHD, Alain Souchon, Abd Al Malik, Aya Nakamura, PNL, Leys, Le Juiice, Jyeuhair, PLK or Theodora & Jeez Suave.
