Review of exhibition Le temps d’un rêve / In the space of a dream, at Musée des Confluences, Lyon, France – 18th October 2024 to 24th August 2025.

Abstract

Possibly the largest ever exhibition on dreaming, Le temps d’un rêve / In the space of a dream, is on show at the Musée des Confluences in Lyon, France, from 18^th October 2024 to 24^th August 2025. As scientific consultant for the exhibition and/or contributors we review its massive collection of neuroscience, cross-cultural artifacts, art, film and dream diary exhibits. The exhibition covers the science of dreaming, responses to and induction of dreams across different cultures and centuries, artistic representation of individual dreams and of oneiric processes, and the relating of dreams in diaries, surveys or for artistic endeavour (e.g. films) showing what can be at stake in individual and collective dream reports. The exhibition is divided into a series of very high quality environments designed to reproduce the various spatial or historical atmospheres presented. They incorporate visual and scholarly information next to each of the very many artifacts, artworks, films, sound beds and wall art. Spending several hours at the exhibition is greatly recommended for anyone interested in dreams and dreaming.