Hidden treasures – exhibition by the Comité Colbert

From 26 to 31 May 2026, the exhibition ‘Hidden Treasures, 250 Years of Franco-American Luxury Stories’ will held at The Shed cultural centre in New York.

For the first time, the Comité Colbert will unveil archives tracing 250 years of artistic exchange between France and the United States. A unique opportunity to invite the public to rediscover this rich dialogue, which has profoundly influenced American art, diplomacy, cultural identity and culture.

Organised into five chapters, the exhibition offers a journey through time and across the Atlantic, inspired by the imagination of travel and sharing. Each of the 65 participating Houses and cultural institutions will be represented by an expedition trunk transformed into a cabinet of curiosities, showcasing an iconic piece and its cultural significance.

“A tribute to the ceaseless creative dialogue between our countries, Hidden Treasures reveals how French luxury and heritage have, for over two centuries, served as a catalyst for cultural diplomacy and a universal language of elegance, innovation and shared influences,” emphasises Bénédicte Épinay, CEO of the Comité Colbert.

The announcement of this exhibition is accompanied by the publication of a study conducted in two phases — in August/September 2025 and then in January 2026 — by the American consultancy firm The Heart Monitors. The firm surveyed 600 American consumers aged 18 to 60 who had purchased French products in the previous twelve months, in order to analyse the evolution of their emotional attachment, loyalty and purchase intent against a backdrop of growing external pressures.

The results show that the emotional connection with France extends far beyond the usual circle of luxury shoppers. For these consumers, ‘Frenchness’ is not a distant ideal, but an accessible form of sophistication capable of enriching their daily lives.