Client: Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Location: Musée national de la Marine, Paris
Type: Temporary Museum Exhibition
Scope: Exhibition Graphics and opening event concept

Oman and the Sea was a unique international exhibition at the National Maritime Museum of the Ministry of Defense in Paris. It documented the Sultanate of Oman’s very ancient and fantastically rich maritime history. The exhibition honoured the centuries old relationship between France and Oman.

The exhibits ranged from scientific objects to beautiful models, from antique and historical artefacts to original maps and charts which have never been shown in Paris. The exhibition was aimed at many types of visitor from school children to specialists and was accompanied by a series of lectures. 

Throughout the gallery there were dramatic graphic panels explaining the story of Omani maritime history with text in French with an Arabic synopsis. 

Paradigm & partners also concepted the iconic event that took place during the official opening ceremony at the famous Trocadero fountains in Paris, which are close to the National Maritime Museum, and directly in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower. After a spectacular light show, a traditional Omani Badan ship, which was built in Oman around 100 years ago, was unveiled. The ship had been floated and positioned in the flat waters of the fountains, which made for a highly memorable spectacle.