Photo : Canva/Ecole des loisirs
Original of the month | Exhibition: Little Red Riding Hood
As part of the "Eating, Being Eaten" highlight event of the libraries of the city of Paris, discover original illustrations by Gerda Muller and a selection of books from the Heure Joyeuse heritage collection of the Françoise Sagan media library.
Bibliothèque L'Heure joyeuse (Paris 5th)
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ON THE MENU: WOLF FILET IN HUNTER SAUCE
Immerse yourself in the world of Little Red Riding Hood with original illustrations by Gerda Muller and various essential versions of the famous tale.
With its moralizing aim, the story of "Little Red Riding Hood" touches all generations. Everyone knows this story of a little girl visiting her grandmother who finds herself confronted by a wolf disguised as her. By changing its appearance, the wolf hides its true nature for one sole purpose: to better deceive the girl in order to devour her. She has no other choice but to throw herself into the wolf's mouth, a symbol of the danger that the world represents for the innocent and naive youth embodied by the girl.
In our time, where influences, manipulations, and violence are commonplace, this story passed down from generation to generation remains relevant and invites the youngest to be extra vigilant. Malicious and voracious, the wolves among us will do everything to "get their fill".
From Tuesday, November 17 to Thursday, December 31
During the opening hours of the L'Heure Joyeuse library
A selection of illustrations taken from the book "Little Red Riding Hood" by Gerda Muller and books from the collections of the Heure Joyeuse heritage collection of the Françoise Sagan media library.
Within the heritage collections, these different versions of Little Red Riding Hood were chosen and highlighted by eleven prisoners who became exhibition curators for the duration of a project supported by the Petite Bibliothèque Ronde (Clamart), in collaboration with the Heure Joyeuse heritage collection.
Titled Eating and Being Eaten, the Great Feast of Stories, this exhibition was held from February 18 to April 30 at the Sud Francilien Penitentiary Center. More than 140 works were brought together in four thematic rooms, entirely designed and led by the inmate curators.
Room 3, titled "Rare or Well-done?", honored Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel.
Learn more about other events at L'Heure Joyeuse
Our take on this event
Forget the simplified nursery rhymes you recall and step into the hauntingly beautiful imagery of one of literature’s darkest classics. This curated showcase highlights rare artistic interpretations that reveal the tale’s deeper themes of manipulation and vigilance. It is a brilliant opportunity to rediscover a timeless story that resonates just as strongly with adults today as it does with children.
The L'Heure Joyeuse library hosts a special exhibition dedicated to the timeless tale of Little Red Riding Hood. Open until 31 December 2026, the display features original illustrations by Gerda Muller alongside various classic versions of the story from library heritage collections. This exhibition examines the symbolic themes of deception and danger often associated with this classic narrative. Located in the 5th arrondissement, the event is completely free of charge and fully accessible, specifically designed to accommodate visitors with physical, cognitive, or hearing impairments, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone who wishes to explore these artistic interpretations.
Located at the L'Heure Joyeuse library, this exhibition invites visitors to explore the visual history of the Little Red Riding Hood tale. The showcase highlights original artwork by Gerda Muller and curated editions from heritage collections, focusing on how the story addresses childhood innocence and the presence of deceptive figures. It offers a thoughtful perspective on how this generation-spanning story remains relevant in discussing manipulation and vigilance.
This collection was uniquely curated by eleven inmates who acted as exhibition commissioners through a project led by the Petite Bibliothèque Ronde. This collaboration emphasizes themes originally explored in the broader project titled Manger et être mangé, le grand festin des histoires, highlighting the narrative trope of the predator in classic folklore. The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to view these curated archival materials.
The display is available to the public during the library's regular operating hours from 17 November to 31 December 2026. Admission is free. The venue is equipped to welcome all visitors, with specific adaptations for wheelchair users and individuals with hearing or cognitive impairments.
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