Exhibition Exhibition: ‘Ya Rayi! A History of Raï Music’

From 20 November 2026 to 1 March 2027, the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne brings Dijon and Oran together. With“Ya Rayi! A History of Raï Music”, immerse yourself in the world of a musical genre born in western Algeria, which has become a symbol of freedom, celebration and cultural fusion, and is now listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Ya Rayi! When raï comes to Dijon

A medley of synthesiser sounds, powerful vocals and lyrics that speak of love, society and freedom: raï has an instantly recognisable energy. Originating in the Oran region, it has made its mark far beyond Algeria, driven by artists who have become household names and by generations of music lovers across the globe.

This is the story told by the exhibition“Ya Rayi! A History of Raï Music”, on display from 20 November 2026 to 1 March 2027 at the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne. The first exhibition dedicated to this musical genre, it was initially co-produced by the Institut du Monde Arabe in Tourcoing and Felfel Productions.

The exhibition forms part of the ‘Les Nuits d’Orient et d’ailleurs’ festival, which celebrates the cultures and imaginations of the East and its many influences. A wonderful opportunity to discover (or rediscover) music that has transcended borders, decades and formats: from cassettes to international stages.

Music, a shared history

Raï is not just a playlist: it is also a memory. The memory of the artists, dancers, listeners, record shop owners, families and communities who have kept this music alive in their daily lives. The exhibition traces its origins, its evolution and its influence, whilst showing how it became an intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO in 2022.

And because raï is also experienced at a local level, the Dijon edition is seeking personal accounts: concerts you’ve attended in Dijon, places where you used to buy cassettes, memories of listening to the music, artists you’ve met, personal connections to this music… If raï has been part of your history in Dijon, your story could enrich the project!

Further information

Period of validityFrom 20 November 2026 to 1 March 2027

PRICESFree

Good to know

Museum of Burgundian Life, 17 Rue Sainte-Anne, Dijon
Opening hours: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 6 pm
Closed: on Tuesdays, as well as on 25 December 2026 and 1 January 2027

In a nutshell

From 20 November 2026 to 1 March 2027, the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne invites you to explore the history of raï with“Ya Rayi! A History of Raï Music”, an exhibition to enjoy on your own, with friends or with family – ideally with a raï playlist playing in your ears as you leave!

Accessibility

The exhibition spaces are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, with suitable access routes. Assistance may also be provided to visitors with sensory or cognitivedisabilities, upon request at the museum reception.

To plan your visit or arrange for specific assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the museum directly on 03 80 48 80 90.