France, April 26 -- Showing at the national History of Immigration Museum in eastern Paris, the exhibition highlights the fractious hinterland of the Games since they were prised out of the ancient history books and repackaged during a Franco-Hellenic love-in at the end of the 19th century.

Developments in social, gender and racial equality are also surveyed through the 600-odd posters, letters and mementos in "Olympism, a History of the World 1896-2024", which runs until 8 September - the end of the Paralympic Games.

"We talk a lot today about the impact of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East," said museum director Constance Riviere.

"As far as the Games are concerned, there is a lot of talk about things like inclusion, the e...