Lovers of art and history, led by the by Mathieu Bruchon, the Head of Regional Economic Service of the French consulate in Kenya, gathered at the Alliance Française de Nairobi on Thursday for the opening of a captivating two-week exhibition organized by Air France to celebrate aviation history and Kenya’s ties with France.
The showcase, which runs from May 16 – May 30, is timely as it follows recent research showing that consuming culture, including through art exhibitions, is good for health and wellbeing, enhances quality of life, and boosts productivity[1].
Themed ‘A Celebration of Timeless Elegance’, the exhibition will pay tribute to the airline’s past engagements with Kenya while honoring its rich heritage and timeless elegance through a sensory and emotional journey through time, culture, and distance.
It fuses aviation history with the richness of Franco-Kenyan cultural ties, offering visitors a unique journey through time, from the golden age of air travel to the contemporary cultural exchange between France and Kenya, facilitated by Air France. The exclusive showcase will provide a captivating journey through the airline’s rich heritage, featuring memorabilia, vintage posters, and classic uniforms that showcase the spirit of French sophistication. A standout feature of the exhibition is a display of Air France uniforms over the years, from the petrol-blue military-inspired suits of the 1940s to the chic-couture garments of the present crews. All the designs used across the seven decades have been the products of world-leading designers and have made Air France crew recognizable in any airport for their allure and style.
The exhibition is open to the public every weekday from 09:00 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 12:00.
“Exhibitions like this serve as living bridges between past and present, and between people and places. Through art, history, and shared memory, we celebrate a partnership between Air France and Nairobi that is driven by elegance, innovation, and mutual respect,” said is Joris Holtus, the General Manager for Air France-KLM in East, Southern Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
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An example of cultural diplomacy, the Air France exhibition is designed as a dynamic space for dialogue, reflection, and rediscovery. It achieves this by paying homage to Air France’s historical presence in Kenya while showcasing its legacy of sophistication and global connection.
Visitors to the Alliance Française will encounter four interwoven pillars that together capture the essence of Air France’s cultural synergy with Kenya, and the personal stories that have taken flight between the two nations over the last 79 years – Air France’s first flight to Nairobi was in 1946 and the first direct service in the route commenced in 1975.
- Pillar 1: French Love for the Kenyan Spirit, offers a historical lens into Air France’s relationship with Nairobi. This pillar chronicles the airline’s presence in the city, tracing its journey from the earliest landings to its modern-day return. Visitors will be immersed in a visual timeline that spans decades, with archival photos and vintage footage showcasing early flights into Nairobi. A dedicated wall highlights key milestones, culminating in the celebrated resumption of service in 2018.
- Pillar 2: A Fusion of French Elegance and Kenyan Warmth, explores the rich cultural dialogue between the two countries. This pillar celebrates the aesthetics, values, and creativity that France and Kenya bring to each other. A fashion exhibit showcases the evolution of Air France crew uniforms, highlighting the interplay of design, fabric, and style across eras.
- Pillar 3: The Art of the Uniform – A Visual Legacy. This pillar celebrates the evolution of Air France uniforms as an emblem of the airline’s brand identity and timeless elegance. Visitors will journey through a visual timeline of uniforms spanning over eight decades—from the tailored, military-inspired looks of the 1940s to today’s high-fashion creations. Each design tells a story of style, professionalism, and French sophistication, with contributions from iconic designers such as Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Carven, and Christian Lacroix. The curated display highlights how fashion has been used to reflect the spirit of the times while maintaining the distinct elegance that makes Air France crew instantly recognizable around the world.
- Pillar 4: A Journey of 6,545 Kilometers over 79 Years, turns the spotlight onto the people who have journeyed between these two lands using Air France. This pillar covers the emotional and human aspect of travel, including memories, aspirations, and the deep sense of connection. Traveler diaries, through audio recordings and video displays, offer firsthand accounts from passengers past and present, proving visitors with a narrative of nostalgia, adventure, and belonging.
Together, these four pillars invite visitors to experience the ongoing story of connection between France and Kenya through the lens of Air France.
The exhibition further reflects the airline’s commitment to enriching lives in the regions it serves. By creating a platform for engagement with art and culture, it enhances community connection and promotes both physical and mental wellbeing. This is in line with the findings of a recent study by leading economics consulting firm, Frontier Economics and the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health[2], which found that engaging with art can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance productivity, and improve quality of life, all while delivering tangible financial benefits.
