Lugano – The 15th edition of the Festival of Art History in Fontainebleau, France, will place Morocco and its artistic heritage at the center of its upcoming program.
The event is scheduled from June 5-7, at the historic Château de Fontainebleau near Paris.
Organized by the French National Institute for Art History and the Château de Fontainebleau, the event will feature more than 250 activities, including talks, exhibitions, screenings, guided tours, workshops, and concerts, offering visitors a broad exploration of visual arts across different periods.
This year’s edition will focus on fashion as its central theme, examining clothing as a form of cultural expression through an interdisciplinary approach that brings together art history, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies.
Since its launch in 2011, the festival has brought together scholars, museum professionals, artists, and the general public to celebrate culture and artistic heritage.
Morocco as guest country
The upcoming edition will feature Morocco as the guest country, marking the first time an African nation receives this distinction at the festival.
By placing Morocco at the center of its 15th edition, the festival aims to highlight the country’s creative vitality while fostering dialogue between Moroccan artists and the international art community.
The program will explore the development of Moroccan art across centuries while showcasing both its rich heritage and modern creative scene.
The festival will also examine Morocco’s artistic connections with Europe throughout history, including the influence of Moroccan culture on European painters and photographers in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The program will highlight Morocco’s diverse artistic traditions, from archaeological heritage sites such as Volubilis and Lixus to architectural and decorative arts shaped by the country’s Amazigh dynasties and Andalusian cultural exchanges.
Among the festival’s participants are architect Salima Naji, recipient of the International Award for Women Architects 2025, and visual artist Amina Agueznay, who will represent Morocco at the Venice Biennale this November, marking the first time the country will present a national pavilion at the event.
The festival will also showcase paintings from French artist Eugène Delacroix’s visit to Morocco, highlighting the lasting influence the country’s culture and landscapes had on his artistic vision during his 6 months journey to the country back in 1832.
The program will also explore the role of clothing as a cultural expression, from historical garments to contemporary fashion design.
Moroccan attire such as the caftan, widely recognized beyond the country’s borders, will also be part of discussions about cultural exchange and artistic influence.
