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.

The Robert Capa exhibition, on display at the Museum of the Liberation of Paris from February 18 to December 20, 2026, offers a compelling look at the life of the legendary war photographer whose images left an indelible mark on the 20th century. From the Spanish Civil War and the Normandy D-Day landings to Indochina, visitors can follow his stories up close to the front lines and explore how his perspective helped shape the history of photojournalism.

Through this photography exhibition in Paris, visitors gain insight into how iconic images are born—from capturing the shot in the field to their dissemination in the global media. The exhibit sheds light on the creative process behind a body of work that has profoundly shaped war photography.

A photographer at the heart of the century's conflicts

Robert Capa is not just a witness: he is an actor in the image, a committed man who lived through his era with a deeply humanistic vision. A Hungarian immigrant of Jewish origin, he established himself as one of the great names in photojournalism by facing danger to capture the intensity of combat.The exhibition focuses as much on recounting his career as it does on revealing the mechanisms that built his legend: framing choices, image selection, editorial editing, media distribution... All elements that shape our perception of conflicts.

Thanks to a special partnership with Magnum Photos, the agency that Capa co-founded, the exhibition provides access to a remarkable collection of original documents: contact sheets, rare prints, editorial archives, and personal notes. These materials help us understand how a photograph becomes a striking image, how a story is constructed, and how a photographer manages to condense, as Robert Capa himself said, "the whole event" into a single shot.

Intense immersion for history and image buffs

The exhibition is aimed at enthusiasts of photography, contemporary history, journalism and all those interested in the mechanisms of visual memory. Whether you're curious to understand how conflicts have been portrayed in the press, or fascinated by the figure of the reporter, this tour is an invitation to take a critical look at the image as witness to reality. It's also a great experience for those who like to wander through museums with family or friends, in an atmosphere that's both studious and emotionally charged.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a light-hearted or playful outing, this event may not meet your expectations: the subject matter is dense, the images are sometimes harsh, and the exhibition calls for reflection as much as contemplation. It's a place of memory, requiring a certain degree of concentration and sensitivity.

What the exhibition on the art of photographing war reveals...

The wealth of documentation presented here is exceptional: it shows how the visual narrative of a conflict is constructed, how an individual's perspective can influence our reading of history, and how Robert Capa's photographs—from Spain to Normandy, via insurgent Paris —fit into a larger whole, illuminated by testimonies and press archives. The image then becomes a language, a memory, sometimes even an act of resistance.

Our Review of the Robert Capa Exhibition at the Musée de la Libération de Paris - Musée du Général Leclerc - Musée Jean Moulin :

We had the chance to explore this exhibition ahead of its official opening to the public. Although fairly compact—comprising only three or four small rooms within the museum’s exhibition space—it is rich in photographs and historical documents. There’s plenty to see and explore.

To refresh your memory, the exhibition offers a contextualized retelling of Robert Capa's work through more than 160 pieces—press prints, documents, personal artifacts—created in collaboration with Magnum Photos. It traces the journey of this iconic photojournalist, from his years in exile and coverage of the Second World War, to the founding of Magnum. The exhibit also raises questions about the role and dangers faced by war photographers in conflict zones.

Insights to Keep in Mind Before Visiting:

Given the small size of the rooms, the visit can become crowded, which isn’t ideal for fully appreciating the exhibition. For a more comfortable experience, consider visiting during quieter times—early mornings or weekdays rather than weekends.

There are many informative labels and displays to read. Take your time—this will enrich your understanding of Robert Capa’s life and work. Don’t miss the rare color photographs from that era. During World War II, color film was scarce: only Nazi Germany and the United States produced notable quantities.

The exhibition is being held at the Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin, Place Denfert-Rochereau, in the 14th arrondissement. The venue is easily accessible by public transport and adapted for people with disabilities. Guided tours are available to explore certain aspects of the exhibition in greater depth. Do you like true stories, photos that tell the story of the world, and fragments of history captured on film? Then this exhibition deserves a place in your diary!

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