Paris is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, yet the voices of its diverse communities are often overshadowed by enduring stereotypes about what it means to be French. The backlash faced by French Malian singer Aya Nakamura following her selection to perform at last year’s Olympic opening ceremony serves as a prime example of the ongoing legacy of racism in the country.

This year the Centre Pompidou will present “Paris noir,” one of its final shows before a five-year closure for renovations. The exhibition will celebrate Black artists who worked in Paris between 1950 and 2000, including figures like Beauford Delaney, Guido Llinás, and Aimé Césaire. Despite their significant contributions to art movements like Surrealism, free figuration, modernism, and postmodernism, many of their works have never been shown in France.

“Paris noir” will offer a visual survey of how Black artists have challenged dominant narratives and reflected political shifts, from African independence to the fall of apartheid. The exhibition will also feature four installations by contemporary Black artists Valérie John, Nathalie Leroy Fiévee, Jay Ramier, and Shuck One—all of whom are based, or have been based, in the French capital—providing fresh perspectives on how the past shapes the contemporary Parisian art scene.