A sensitive issue that is often at the heart of current affairs, the topic of drugs is fraught with preconceptions that can sometimes lead to the stigmatisation of users and certain social groups. But what realities lie behind drug use?

Without underestimating the risks or making moral judgements, this exhibition aims to shed light on the subject by drawing on several scientific disciplines – anthropology, medicine, sociology, psychology, history, economics, ecology… – to provide a better understanding of this age-old social phenomenon. By setting aside preconceptions, it offers a more accurate and realistic view of the production, consumption and trade in drugs.

Hallucinogens, narcotics, synthetic substances… What do we mean when we use the term ‘drugs’? Are all these substances dangerous? Do all human societies use them? Are humans the only ones who use them? What needs does this use fulfill? What are their impacts on individuals, societies and the environment?

Through an original and dynamic exhibition design, the exhibition encourages critical reflection on drug use and the dangers of drugs. Across an area of 650 m², you can explore a wealth of displays, collection items, archives, personal accounts and artistic works from both the past and the present…

Starting with presenting a wide variety of products – whether legal or illegal, natural or synthetic – the exhibition deconstructs the term ‘drugs’ in favour of ‘psychoactive substances’. From narcotics to everyday consumables such as tobacco, tea or coffee, these substances all have one thing in common: they affect the central nervous system and the mind. Their classification as legal or illegal varies depending on the product, the era, society and beliefs… You may be surprised to learn that our species is not the only one to consume them, or that the earliest evidence of their use dates back to prehistoric times!

Based on the observation that most human societies consume psychoactive substances, this exhibition explores their function. You will be taken through various contexts of use and discover a range of consumption patterns at both the group and individual levels: therapeutic experimentation, the need for social conformity, pushing one’s limits and optimising intellectual, sporting or military performance, hedonism, access to mystical realms or artistic inspiration…

From producer to consumer, the exhibition traces the pathways of psychoactive substances to highlight the effects of increasing production on the environment and society, explore the challenges associated with their global circulation, and showcase the various marketing strategies employed by sellers of both legal and illegal products.

Finally, public policies put in place to address the social and health issues linked to the use of psychoactive substances may be more or less repressive, or more or less tolerant, depending on the values and priorities of different states. But how effective are they? The exhibition examines the notion of ‘risks’ associated with substance use and traces the history of harm reduction policy in Europe from the 1980s onwards.

Rooted in a humanist perspective, it concludes with an installation that highlights the voices of users of psychoactive substances. You will thus discover a variety of profiles, far removed from the stereotypical image of these users.

Scientific curators

• François Beck, sociologist, researcher at the Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP) at Inserm, former director of the Observatoire français des Drogues et Toxicomanies (OFDT);
• Vincent Verroust, ethnobiologist, researcher in psychedelic studies at Centre de recherche médecine, science, santé et société, Inserm;
• Alain Epelboin, medical anthropologist, honorary associate of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, former member of the Scientific Committee of the Observatoire français des Drogues et Toxicomanies (OFDT) and of the Scientific Council of the Mission interministérielle de lutte contre les toxicomanies (MILDT).

Exhibition curators 

• Marie Merlin, exhibition designer and exhibition project manager;
• Charlène Camarella, exhibition designer and exhibition project manager.