Photo : ©Céline Malraux
With a Slight Intimacy: Madeleine Malraux, Pianist
An exhibition based on the eponymous book by Céline Malraux. Guided tour on Saturday, November 14 at 2:30 PM, upon registration.
Bibliothèque André Malraux (Paris 6th)
About
Madeleine Lioux was born into music.
A path of excellence led her at fourteen from the Toulouse Conservatory to Marguerite Long's class at the Paris Conservatory, but it would be fueled by the great moments of 20th-century history.
It is also the very endearing journey of a woman attentive to her children scarred by the war, which says a lot about the energy, courage, and talent required to fulfill oneself in a professional musical career when one is a woman, and not just the wife of.
An exhibition based on the eponymous book by Céline Malraux and enriched with period documents. The book, republished in autumn 2026 by Larousse, will be presented by Céline Malraux and Manon Landowski on Thursday, December 3 at the André Malraux library.
Event labeled as the André Malraux Fiftieth Anniversary by the Ministry of Culture and included in the 2026 Monte le son program of the Paris City libraries.
Our take on this event
Step into the remarkable life of a pianist whose artistry was forged against the backdrop of twentieth-century history. This exhibit offers an intimate look at the courage and creative spirit required to forge a unique professional path while balancing the weight of family legacies.
The André Malraux library presents the exhibition With a Slight Intimacy, dedicated to pianist Madeleine Malraux, running from October 1 to December 31, 2026. This exhibition explores the life of an exceptional musician, highlighting the resilience required to pursue a professional career during the 20th century. Designed for audiences aged 12 and over, the event offers guided tours that require prior registration. Located on the 4th floor, the venue is fully wheelchair accessible and provides accommodations for deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors, including sign language support, ensuring an inclusive experience for everyone interested in this historical and artistic journey.
Explore the life of Madeleine Lioux, a gifted pianist whose musical path led her from the Toulouse Conservatory to the prestigious class of Marguerite Long in Paris. Beyond her technical excellence, the exhibition tells the touching story of a woman who balanced her professional aspirations with the challenges of raising children in the aftermath of war, demonstrating the dedication needed for a female musician to define her own legacy.
The exhibition is based on the book by Céline Malraux and features a collection of historical documents. A special presentation of the book, reissued by Larousse in autumn 2026, will be held on December 3 at the library with Céline Malraux and Manon Landowski. The event is recognized as part of the Ministry of Culture's Cinquantenaire André Malraux label and the Ville de Paris libraries' 2026 Monte le son program.
Entry is free of charge for visitors aged 12 and above. Guided visits must be booked in advance. The exhibition space on the 4th floor is wheelchair accessible and features sign language interpretation to support deaf or hard-of-hearing guests.
