Sur Arte et France Culture, tous les secrets de la licorne
The article discusses the enduring cultural presence of the unicorn, from churches to toy stores and LGBTQIA+ parades, coinciding with the exhibition "Licornes!" at the Musée de Cluny (through July 12, 2026), which centers on the museum's famed tapestry *La Dame à la licorne*. It highlights two complementary media programs: an episode of the radio show *Le Cours de l'histoire* on France Culture and a documentary on Arte, both exploring the mythical animal's many transformations across history.
Why it matters: The unicorn is presented as a uniquely hybrid symbol—literary, religious, scientific, and political—that has been documented since antiquity by figures like Pliny the Elder and Marco Polo, and whose meaning has shifted dramatically over centuries. The article underscores how this mythical creature reflects the beliefs and values of each era, from medieval Christian allegory and royal emblems to modern commercial and queer iconography, making it a rich lens for understanding cultural history.