From May 22 to September 20, 2026
Exhibition Curators – Valerio Zanetti & Clément Trouche
From May 22 to September 20, 2026, the Fragonard Fashion and Costume Museum in Arles presents an exhibition dedicated to the history of women’s equestrian costumes in Europe, from Antiquity to the present day.
Through more than one hundred works from major collections, it explores the role of horsemanship in the emancipation of women. Between borrowings from menswear and original creations, the sidesaddle becomes a symbol of elegance and freedom. Portraits, costumes, and rare objects reveal remarkable female figures, from the court of Louis XIV to the contemporary era.
The exhibition also highlights the practice in the Camargue region, where female riders are making their mark today with panache. For this occasion, artists Pierre and Florent were invited to create a video and photo work specifically for the exhibition, documenting this local equestrian practice. A galloping journey into the heart of a powerful and inspiring feminine heritage.
