How do you document the marine world as closely as possible, from fishing to military vessels, transport, oil rigs and natural disasters? The Musée national de la Marine in Paris is offering just that with its"Jean Gaumy et la mer" exhibition, a never-before-seen photographic retrospective devoted to the work of Jean Gaumy, a renowned figure in contemporary photography and member of the Magnum Photos agency, from May 14, 2025 to August 17, 2025. The exhibition will feature over 140 photographs from the Médiathèque du patrimoine et de la photographie, exploring the many facets of the maritime world.
In this exhibition, visitors will discover a range of sea-related themes, from deep-sea fishing and oil spills to the daily lives of submariners and polar landscapes. These photographs, taken between Normandy, Greenland,Andalusia and Long Island, illustrate Jean Gaumy's unique style, oscillating between documentary, poetic contemplation and abstraction. Particular attention is paid to emblematic shots and more confidential works, presented here for the first time in a museum.
An exhibition that we were able to see in advance of its presentation to visitors... And it's a very comprehensive one, tracing Jean Gaumy 's work in all its facets. From fishing to oil rigs and warships, Jean Gaumy is on all fronts! A common thread running through the exhibition is his love of the sea, which has fascinated him since childhood. It's a passion that he conveys in his photography, through his choice of striking subjects, photo composition and lighting.
The program includes as many black-and-white photos as color photos, providing food for thought on what the sea gives and what it takes, the adventurous side of the fisherman's trade, the harsh reality of the sea alongside lifeguards and coastguards, and the immensity of these expanses of water, as vast and frightening as they are intimate and reassuring. A must-see exhibition for all sea lovers!
And for the museum's cultural program, in line with the exhibition, click here:
Sat May 17, 7:15pm & 9pm
European Museum Night - Free admission
Sat May 17, 7:45pm & 9:30pm
European Museum Night - Free admission
Date to be confirmed - See museum website
Date to be confirmed - See museum website
Date to be confirmed - See museum website
Date to be confirmed - See museum website
Date to be confirmed - See museum website
Thu May 22, 7-8.30pm
Thu July 3, 7-8.30pm
Sat June 14, 6-10pm
30 min screening + conference
Sat July 5, 5pm-7pm
Screening of the documentary Voyage by Louise Hémon, 2023, 38'.
Wed June 4, 2-6pm
Entertainment for children aged 3 to 12
Thu May 22, 2-5pm - Free
Thu June 19, 2-6pm - Free
The exhibition reflects on the maritime world through a sensitive, hard-hitting eye. Jean Gaumy 's photographs demonstrate"a rare intensity" in the way they capture these often hostile and fascinating environments. A visual immersion for photography enthusiasts and those with a passion for the marine world alike. Ready to travel the seas at the Musée de la Marine?
Dates and Opening Time
From May 14, 2025 to August 17, 2025
Location
Musée national de la Marine
17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
75116 Paris 16
Prices
Tarif réduit: €10 - €11
Plein tarif: €14 - €15
Official website
www.musee-marine.fr
More information
Open daily except Tuesday, 11am-7pm. Nocturne on Thursdays until 10pm.
