Audio GuideMaison Européenne de la Photographie
Art museum in an 18th-century mansion with regularly changing contemporary photography exhibitions.
Museum
Paris, France
The Maison Européenne de la Photographie invites guests to a sophisticated and historic setting situated in the heart of Paris. The museum is located within the Hôtel Hénault de Cantobre, an eighteenth-century mansion constructed in seventeen hundred and six. Initially a private residence, it was transformed into a contemporary photography museum under the direction of architect Yves Lion.
The building beautifully marries classical architecture with modern restoration. Visitors can explore vaulted rooms and expansive galleries that showcase a vast collection of modern and contemporary photographic art. The museum has adapted its offerings to reflect changing trends and techniques in photography, hosting multiple exhibitions each year. Over the years, it has featured thematic retrospectives highlighting influential photographers, with previous exhibitions celebrating artists like Robert Frank and Irving Penn.
Founded by local cultural figures including Jacques Chirac and Henry Chapier, with backing from the Paris City Hall, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie extends beyond traditional exhibitions. It provides a diverse cultural programme featuring guided tours, educational workshops, film screenings, and a workshop dedicated to the restoration and conservation of photographs. Completing the visitor experience, there is an integrated library, a welcoming café under historic arches, and a specialised bookshop.
Situated at numbers five to seven on rue de Fourcy, the museum offers an alluring environment where history and contemporary art combine to narrate the ever-evolving story of photography in Paris.
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