Every year since 2010, August 19 has marked World Photography Day. More precisely, it's a tribute to the daguerreotype, one of the revolutionary processes that led to the invention of photography. The date was not chosen at random: on August 19, 1839, Louis Daguerre presented his invention to the Institut de France, forever changing the world of technology, the arts, information...
Yes, photography is a great invention! And a French one at that... So it's only natural that we should wish to celebrate this day, August 19. But how?
You can take to the streets of Paris, camera in hand, to capture moments of life and the beautiful landscapes the capital has to offer. And you can also head off to the region's museums and art galleries, to admire the artists of the genre, and the photo exhibitions organized this summer in Paris and the Île-de-France region.
The photo exhibitions are plentiful in the capital. This form of art attracts as much the creators as the public, who turn up at every new photographic event. Want to stage an expo this August 19, 2026 ? Here are a few must-see outing ideas not to be missed.
This fashion exhibition in Paris reveals the intimate Africa of a master couturier in 50 silhouettes.
Memories turned into silhouettes. From July 7, 2026 to January 4, 2027, the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation stages an exhibition that explores the deep ties between the designer and Africa, through around fifty creations and previously unseen photographs by Peter Beard. [Read more]
Fragile Beauty: Elton John's Photo Collection on Display at the Jeu de Paume — Our Photos
The Jeu de Paume unveils a curated selection of photographs from Elton John and David Furnish’s collections. The exhibition is open from June 12 to September 27, 2026. [Read more]
Two fashion photographers take the spotlight in a chic, free exhibition at Galerie Rouge.
La Galerie Rouge invites us to discover the work of two American fashion photographers, in a free exhibition running from May 29 to September 19, 2026. [Read more]
Sumo, Sacred Forces: a photo exhibition worth seeing at the Maison de la culture du Japon
As the capital welcomed the Paris Sumo Tournament, the Maison de la Culture du Japon is hosting a free exhibition dedicated to this ancient martial art. Be sure to visit through September 26, 2026 to discover "Sumo, Sacred Forces", a photographic installation by Bruno Aveillan. [Read more]
Two centuries of images: a free, outdoor photography exhibition in Hauts-de-Seine.
The Domaine de Sceaux and the Chanteraines departmental park are hosting a brand-new, free photo exhibition. From June 18 to December 18, 2026, discover “Two Centuries of Images.” [Read more]
Madeleine de Sinéty, A Life: The Retrospective Exhibition at the Jeu de Paume — Our Photos
The Jeu de Paume is presenting a retrospective of Madeleine de Sinéty's work, a photographer who captured rural daily life. The exhibition "Une vie" is on view from June 12 to September 27, 2026. [Read more]
Night-time Paris of the 20th century unfolds in a free photo exhibition at the Roger-Viollet Gallery.
Paris shines as much by day as by night: discover the capital’s rich nocturnal life, with the exhibition "Paris, Open at Night," on view for free from June 11 to October 3, 2026 at the Roger-Viollet Gallery. [Read more]
Photography in full letters: an artistic alphabet on display at the MEP
The European House of Photography celebrates the rich history and breadth of photography with a playful, original exhibition running from June 10 to September 13, 2026. [Read more]
Exhibition: Camille Vivier in a retrospective at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie
The European House of Photography is devoting a major retrospective to French artist Camille Vivier, a figure in contemporary photography as arresting as she is powerful. The exhibition runs from June 10 to September 13, 2026. [Read more]
Roma, City of Light: the free photo exhibition to see this summer outdoors in Paris
The Roma, City of Light exhibition offers a portrait of the Italian capital through cinema’s seventh art, and examines its role as a backdrop in film. The free exhibit runs from July 2 to 6, 2026 at the Arènes de Lutèce, then continues until August 30 along the banks of the Seine. [Read more]
Marilyn Monroe at the Galerie de l’Instant, a photography exhibition centered on Sam Shaw’s portraits
The Galerie de l’Instant in Paris presents "Marilyn, Portrait of a Radiant Child," an exhibition devoted to the photographs of Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw, from June 1 to September 15, 2026. A journey through the star’s image, spanning cinema, portraiture, and more intimate moments. [Read more]
Common Worlds: the Albert-Kahn Departmental Museum’s Contemporary Photography Festival.
From May 20 to September 20, 2026, the Albert-Kahn Departmental Museum shines a spotlight on contemporary photography for the new edition of its festival, Mondes en commun. [Read more]
Heritage in Resistance: From Timbuktu to Odessa, an Exhibition at the City of Architecture.
Sponsored - In Paris, the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine presents the exhibition Patrimoines en résistance : de Tombouctou à Odessa, running from May 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, a look at heritage in wartime, where destruction, safeguarding, and rebuilding come into play. [Read more]
The Great Ages: Nikos Aliagas's tender photo exhibition at the Musée de l'Homme
Until January 3, 2027, Nikos Aliagas is exhibiting at the Musée de l’Homme. Blending intimate portraits with scientific data, « Les Grands âges » examines our relationship with aging and the essential role of our elders, through a photographic exhibition. [Read more]
All-Inclusive Exhibition: Photographer Kourtney Roy and Citéco question tourism through our photos
With her vintage aesthetic and striking photographs, artist Kourtney Roy humorously highlights the contradictions of global tourism. Don't miss the exhibition All Inclusive, running from February 20 to September 20, 2026, at the City of Economy. [Read more]
Robert Capa Exhibition at the Museum of the Liberation of Paris
The Museum of the Liberation of Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Robert Capa, a legendary figure in war photojournalism, in collaboration with Magnum Photos. This immersive journey explores his perspective on 20th-century conflicts and is open from February 18 to December 20, 2026. [Read more]
Simone Veil. My Sisters and I: An Intimate, Free Exhibition at the Memorial to the Holocaust — Our Photos
The Shoah Memorial highlights the special bond between Simone Veil and her sisters with an emotionally compelling exhibition running from February 10 to October 15, 2026. [Read more]
From steel to paper, a look at engraved stamps: the exhibition at the Postal Museum
The Postal Museum is presenting an exhibition of photos on the engraved stamp, which can be seen from November 7, 2025, to October 12, 2026. [Read more]
Acne Paper Palais Royal: the permanent (art) gallery for the Acne Studios brand opens in Paris
Paris mixes fashion and culture in style! On June 26, 2025, Acne Studios opened its first independent art gallery, Acne Paper Palais Royal, under the arcades of the Palais Royal. An arty new spot in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. [Read more]
Jeu de Paume: the art center dedicated to photography and images in Paris
On the border between the Tuileries Gardens and the Place de la Concorde, the Jeu de Paume art center celebrates images from the 19th century to the present day, with a rich and diverse program. [Read more]
Galerie Roger-Viollet in Paris: art and history meet through photography
The Roger-Viollet agency unveils its rich collections in its art gallery on rue de Seine in Paris. A place for lovers of Paris and photography, to discover free of charge. [Read more]
The Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation, an artistic venue celebrating photography in Paris
The Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris's 3rd arrondissement is a must-see for photography enthusiasts. Tours, exhibitions, find out what's new at this cultural institution. [Read more]
La Maison Européenne de la Photographie, the museum of contemporary photography in Paris
Just a stone's throw from the Saint-Paul metro station in the Marais district, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie showcases those who have turned photography into an art form, a political medium and a means of rebelling, documenting and paying homage... We'll take you with us to the heart of the cultural venue dedicated to photography in Paris! [Read more]
Quai de la Photo, the free floating art center on the Seine with terrace for photo fans
Quai de la Photo is the name of this new floating art center dedicated to contemporary photography, which opens its terrace in fine weather. In a 1000 m² space, exhibitions, conferences and cultural events await you, in this free venue open to all, on the Seine near the Pont de Bercy in Paris. [Read more]
There's plenty to see and do on this summer's day in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.
Celebrate the 200-year anniversary of photography with these photography exhibitions in Paris and Île-de-France.
The Ministry of Culture pays tribute to photography through a major cultural event, running from September 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. To mark the occasion, a wide array of exhibitions awaits discovery in the museums and art venues of Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On August 19, 2026
Celebrate the 200-year anniversary of photography with these photography exhibitions in Paris and Île-de-France.
