A Canine Canvas: ⁤New Museum Celebrates the Enduring Bond Between Humans and Dogs

Aubervilliers,France – A new cultural gem ‍has‍ opened ⁢its doors,dedicated to celebrating the profound and multifaceted ‍relationship between⁤ humans⁤ and dogs. ⁣The Musée de la Grande Histoire du Chien (Museum of the Great ⁣History of the Dog), located in⁢ Aubervilliers, aims to⁢ showcase the integral role canines have ⁢played throughout history, art, and society. Dorothée‍ Fabre,the museum’s director,expressed her ⁣excitement,stating,”We are thrilled to present these two splendid collections to the public through markets and auctions.”

The genesis of the ⁣museum dates back over fifteen years, coinciding wiht the preparation for the opening of a specialized mediateca, which welcomed visitors in‍ 2011. The final impetus for the museum’s creation came with a strategic shift‍ in direction by Centrale Canine, coupled with a strong desire to engage with the general public. “We envisioned this ⁤historic house of the Centrale Canine transforming into a⁢ true haven for dog lovers,” Fabre explained, referring to the ⁣five-story building that now houses‍ the extensive exhibits.

More Than Just Art: Educational ⁢and Therapeutic‍ Initiatives

Starting in September, the museum will launch a series of thematic visits ⁣and school workshops.These programs follow the success of a ⁣recent open day that captivated children from Aubervilliers, featuring engaging reading sessions with dogs and‍ art activities focused on canine awareness. “Many children arrive with a natural apprehension towards dogs,” Fabre observed,”but⁣ after just a few hours,they are confidently brushing them and taking them for walks.” The ⁣museum also emphasizes the therapeutic impact of dogs, citing ⁣the example of a nurse in Brittany who utilized a Dalmatian to connect with her teenage patients. “Sometimes,” Fabre‍ noted, “it’s far easier for a child to open up to a dog than to an adult.”

The⁤ museum’s collection boasts works ⁢by numerous artists, including several Spanish talents. chiqui Díaz, a Sevillian ⁣artist, was⁣ honored in 2021 with ⁤the Centrale Canine’s Fine Arts Award for his dynamic bronze sculpture ⁤of a greyhound in motion. Visitors can also admire the detailed paintings of‍ naturalist artist Miguel Ángel Moraleda, whose works capture various French regional dog breeds.

A Global Paw-sitive Reception

While Aubervilliers may not be as globally recognized as central Paris, Fabre⁢ admits, the museum has already garnered significant international interest.In the initial days following its inauguration, the exhibition went viral on social ⁣media, drawing visitors from⁤ across Asia, the ‍United States, the netherlands, ‍Italy, and the United Kingdom, in addition to a strong French contingent. “A lot of ⁣people are discovering⁢ us through word-of-mouth,” Fabre shared. ⁣She anticipates welcoming between ⁣400 and ⁢500 visitors per month once the space is fully operational, complete with audio guides, internal signage,⁤ and a dedicated ⁣gift shop.”Our ultimate goal⁢ is for visitors⁤ to leave with ⁢a ⁤profound sense of gratitude towards dogs,” Fabre confessed. “They are present in our homes, our ⁣stories,‍ our cinema, and our literature. What we‍ aim to do here is to acknowledge the significant ⁢place they have ⁢occupied, and continue⁣ to occupy, in the lives of humans.”