Grand Palais: Free Exhibition Celebrates 200 Years of Le Figaro – Our Photos

From January 14 to 16, 2026, the Grand Palais will be pulsating with the energy of a grand anniversary celebration: 200 years of history, marked by papers, ink, and debates, all brought together in the free exhibition "1826-2026 Le Figaro: 200 Years of Freedom." This showcase offers two centuries of images, archives, and encounters—a true special edition... on a grand scale.

It all begins on January 15, 1826, when Maurice Alhoy and Étienne Arago publish the first issue of their newspaper, drawing inspiration from Figaro, the famous character created by Beaumarchais. Two centuries later, their creation has evolved into a comprehensive media platform — print, online, mobile app, television, and social media. This bicentennial marks more than just an anniversary; it celebrates two hundred years of a culture rooted in the principle of freedom — expressed through words, images, and open debate.
Under the nave of the Grand Palais, visitors can explore rare archives, unseen images, live debates, special broadcasts, and screenings. 

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Highlights of the Figaro Anniversary Exhibition:

Wednesday, January 14 (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM)

• 09:30 AM: Madame Figaro Encounter - 200 Years of Fashion Imagery

• 11:00 AM: Talk about History Special Bicentennial Edition

• 12:30 PM: Culture Club - 200 Years of Writers

• 2:30 PM: Documentary Without the Freedom to Criticize…

• 4:00 PM: Ideas Club - The Freedom of the Media

Thursday, January 15 (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM)

• 09:30 AM: Public Editorial Meeting

• 11:00 AM: Journalists: A Calling?

• 12:30 PM: International Club

• 2:00 PM: The Profession: Investigative Reporter

• 4:30 PM: Live Music - Patrick Bruel

Friday, January 16 (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM)

• 09:30 AM: Celebrating 200 Years of Luxury and the Art of Living

• 11:00 AM: Documentary Without the Freedom to Criticize…

• 12:30 PM: Free Spirits - Leadership in 2026

• 2:00 PM: Panel with Former Directors

• 3:30 PM: The Caillaux Trial

• 5:00 PM: Closing Performance

The exhibition is primarily aimed at enthusiasts of the genre. The visit is fairly quick, unless you take the time to carefully examine each cover and article on display. A tip: choose your visit time wisely and opt for a strategic hour, as during busy periods, the space can be crowded, making it harder to read and appreciate everything comfortably.

Three days to travel through time, analyze the present, and discover, through conversations, how information is crafted.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.