Sebastião Salgado takes center stage in a free photography exhibition at Paris City Hall

Paris City Hall pays tribute to photographer Sebastião Salgado with a major exhibition, which will be open to the public free of charge from February 21 to May 30, 2026.

This renowned Brazilian photographer, celebrated for his striking black-and-white images from across the globe, passed away on May 23, 2025. In his memory, the Paris City Hall is hosting an exclusive retrospective exhibition, open to the public free of charge. From February 21 to May 30, 2026, visitors can explore the works of Sebastião Salgado.

Within the Saint-Jean Hall at the City Hall, visitors can explore nearly 200 photographs captured throughout his extensive career. Curated by his wife, Lélia Wanick Salgado, the exhibition offers an intimate portrait of this passionate artist. Through these images, audiences glimpse not just the professional photographer, but also the family man, the environmentalist, and the humanist.

The exhibition’s journey showcases a selection of photographs from some of the most significant series that have defined Sebastião Salgado’s illustrious career. Visitors can admire his images capturing the Amazon rainforest, the gold mines of Brazil, and life in the Sahel... The exhibition also highlights the deep bond between Salgado, his family, and Paris. The city where he has lived for 50 years, after fleeing the Brazilian dictatorship, holds a special place in his heart.

The exhibition's layout is understated, with photographs highlighted against a simple, neutral background. Visitors are treated to a diverse collection of images captured across the globe. The selected photographs showcase Sebastião Salgado's deep commitment and passion for nature and wildlife. These black-and-white scenes, featuring monumental landscapes, seem almost extraterrestrial—so extraordinary are they.

A timeline highlights key moments from the artist’s life and career, while a short film reveals some private family photos. Lélia Wanick Salgado aimed to showcase the man behind the camera, not just the renowned photographer.

The photo exhibition celebrates the artist's career while highlighting his dedication to environmental causes, particularly forest reforestation efforts. Towards the end of the visit, visitors can also explore the paintings of Rodrigo Salgado, Sebastião's son—an emerging artist born with Down syndrome.

It’s important to note that the exhibition is free of charge, but access is strictly by reservation only. Tickets can be booked through the Paris.fr website. Don’t miss this major retrospective celebrating a talented and passionate artist.

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