Smartphones or Walkmans, Tang or kombucha, mopeds or scooters... from one generation to the next, teenagers' lives shift a little. But really, are today’s teens that different from those of the 1960s or the 1990s? To find out, artist Lee Shulman pulled from the collections of The Anonymous Project, unveiling several dozen photographs that tell adolescence in all its forms.
From October 16 to December 20, 2026, the Quai de la Photo will host the exhibition Teenage Dream. It presents amateur photographs taken by anonymous individuals, everyday-life snapshots that captured the big and small moments of past generations.
The idea of adolescence only took hold after World War II. Between childhood and adulthood, a new stage of life emerged—a period when young people sought greater independence and began shaping their identity within the protective cocoon of family life. These new adolescents asserted their own fashion, their music (which adults would come to detest), their worldview, their leisure, and their own spaces to live and meet.
This rebellious youth also lives through its own formative milestones: first loves, graduations, friendships, parties, getting a driver's license, the first tastes of freedom on holiday... This period of life is made of premières fois, failures, successes, uncertainties, joys and conflicts.
Lee Shulman sets out to capture the very heart of adolescence through these photographs. With every frame, you encounter these poignant teens—sometimes naive, sometimes funny... These are individuals who still bear childlike eyes, yet already yearn for adulthood. The artist shines a light on these fleeting moments, those brief, formative years in a life.
Young visitors can have a playful time exploring the style of teenagers from the 20th century. They may also spot parallels with their own experiences in the 21st century.
A joyful, nostalgic exhibition to discover for free at the Quai de la Photo this autumn.
Dates and Opening Time
From October 16, 2026 to December 20, 2026
Location
Quai de la Photo
22 Port de la Gare
75013 Paris 13
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
quaidelaphoto.fr
