A Dream of Saudi Arabia by Gilles Bensimon at the Molière in Paris

What if Saudi Arabia unveiled itself at the heart of Paris through the lens of a renowned photographer? On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, A Dream of Saudi Arabia by Gilles Bensimon opens to the public at the Molière, at 40 rue de Richelieu in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, for a free day dedicated to photography, to travel, to Saudi traditions and to Saudi culinary arts.

The event kicks off the launch of the photographic work A Dream of Saudi Arabia, born from a 32-day journey across the Kingdom’s five major regions. This experience brings together a photography exhibition, excerpts from an in‑progress documentary, a book-signing session, a scenographed walkthrough and an immersive exploration of the crafts, customs and culinary heritage of Saudi Arabia.

The project is supported by the Saudi Commission for Culinary Arts. Admission is free on May 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Photographs, a Book and a Documentary: The Highlights of the Journey

With A Dream of Saudi Arabia, Gilles Bensimon offers a personal take on a land he traversed on an extended journey. A former art director of the magazine ELLE, the photographer explores landscapes, everyday scenes, gestures, traditions and craftsmanship.

The exhibit highlights the geographic chapters of the book, each tied to a major region of the Kingdom. The stated aim is to spark a dialogue between photography and local culinary arts, crafts, and traditions.

• Launch of the book A Dream of Saudi Arabia (Cassi Edition), with a signing session by Gilles Bensimon.
• Photographic exhibition exploring the landscapes, traditions, and scenes captured during the journey.
• Screening of excerpts from a documentary tied to the photographic project.
• Immersive walk-through inspired by the five major regions of Saudi Arabia.
• Sensory discovery highlighting customs, culinary arts, and artisanal crafts.

A deep dive into Saudi Arabia's five regions

Imagine moving from one space to another as if flipping through the pages of a travel journal. Each room is designed to evoke a distinct atmosphere, a regional identity, and a facet of the Kingdom’s culture. The announced staging blends photographs, sounds, textures, objects, scents, and references to the art of hospitality.

The visitor is invited to discover a diverse Saudi Arabia, spanning natural heritage, culinary traditions and artisanal crafts. The project highlights, in particular, the gestures of hospitality, service rituals, ingredients, tableware, and traditional arts & crafts.

Are you passionate about travel stories? This proposal invites you to approach Saudi Arabia through the senses, focusing on imagery and atmosphere rather than a straightforward documentary narrative.

A photographer's view of Saudi heritage

Through this project, Gilles Bensimon moves away from the fashion world to craft a visual narrative about Saudi Arabia’s culture, landscapes, and traditions. The book and the exhibition aim to capture the country’s richness through its regions, the people he meets, and the everyday details.

The culinary dimension plays a central role in the experience. It opens up traditions of hospitality, the products, objects, and customs that accompany the Saudi table. This aspect makes the itinerary more accessible, inviting cultural discovery for Parisian visitors as well as international audiences.

For a free outing in Paris that explores photography, travel, Saudi Arabia, and culinary cultures, A Dream of Saudi Arabia offers a distinctive one-day stopover in the heart of the capital.