The “DISCO I’m Coming Out” exhibition at the Philharmonie de Paris showcases a glittering disco archive, capturing the vibrant popular culture of the 1970s.
Paris is currently immersed in the dazzling world of disco. The Philharmonie de Paris and the Cité de la Musique present DISCO I’m Coming Out, an exhibition that celebrates the extravagant aesthetics of disco music while exploring its social and political impact. Tracing disco’s journey from the underground clubs of early 1970s New York to its global cultural dominance, the exhibition will run until August 17.
Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Cité de la Musique and the 10th anniversary of the Philharmonie de Paris, the exhibition encapsulates the spirit of disco—synonymous with celebration, liberation, and social transformation.
While often seen as pure musical ecstasy, disco played a vital role in the social movements of the 1970s. The exhibition highlights how disco culture intersected with civil rights activism, LGBTQ+ visibility, and women’s liberation—shining a light on the contributions of African Americans and marginalized communities.
Legendary clubs like Paradise Garagebecame safe spaces where minorities could express themselves freely and push back against discrimination.
More than just a historical journey, DISCO I’m Coming Out is an immersive experience designed to transport visitors into the golden age of disco.
A never-before-released soundtrack, mixed by Dimitri from Paris, recreates the electrifying atmosphere of Studio 54 and The Saint.
The exhibition’s spectacular stage design, created by GGSV Studio (Gaëlle Gabillet and Stéphane Villard), features neon lights and dynamic projections.
At the center of the space, a dance floor and catwalk envelop visitors in the 70s and 80s disco aesthetic, offering a true sensory experience.
Among the exhibition’s standout features are stage costumes, glittering accessories, vintage mixing and recording equipment, and furniture from disco culture, including contributions from Italian design house Gufram.
Honoring New York’s 1970s disco scene, the exhibition showcases a rich collection of portraits—both iconic and anonymous—alongside unpublished archives and documentaries. Visitors can explore works inspired by disco’s signature motifs, such as mirrored globes and neon lights. Prestigious loans from institutions like The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and The Saint club in New York further enrich the exhibition.
Reflecting disco’s dazzling energy, the exhibition serves as a reminder that this music was more than entertainment—it was a manifesto for freedom and inclusion. Through its impact on fashion, cinema, and art, disco continues to resonate in contemporary struggles for equality and self-expression. In this spirit, DISCO I’m Coming Out affirms that music—like the dance floor—remains a powerful force for social change and unity.
Cover photo: © Hasse Persson / Diana Ross & Michael Jackson 1978
