The free photo exhibition focused on Sebastião Salgado extended at Paris City Hall

The Hôtel de Ville in Paris pays tribute to photographer Sebastião Salgado with a major exhibition, free to the public from February 21 to June 6, 2026.

This eminent Brazilian photographer, known for his black-and-white photographs from all corners of the globe, died on May 23, 2025. To honor him, the Hôtel de Ville de Paris will host a brand-new retrospective, free and open to everyone. From February 21 to June 6, 2026, come and admire the works of Sébastião 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.

Note that the exhibition is free, but only by reservation. Tickets are available on the Paris.fr site. Don’t miss the final days of this major retrospective honoring a passionately devoted artist.

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