Looking to immerse yourself in the poetic world of Robert Doisneau in Paris? The exhibition Instants Donnés at the Musée Maillol presents more than 400 iconic photographs by the artist, from Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville to candid scenes of Parisian life. Explore post-war Paris through a unique retrospective enriched by unpublished archives and an immersive scenography that highlights the artistic legacy of this inimitable eye.
Summary
- The Robert Doisneau Exhibition at the Musée Maillol, Paris
- The Photographic Universe of Robert Doisneau in Paris
- Exhibition Route at the Musée Maillol
The Robert Doisneau Exhibition at the Musée Maillol, Paris
The exhibition “Robert Doisneau. Instants Donnés” at the Musée Maillol in Paris presents an unprecedented retrospective of the photographer, open from April 17 to October 12, 2025. Discover other influential contemporary photographers.
| Category | Details | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | April 17 – October 12, 2025 | Exceptional 6-month exhibition |
| Hours | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10:30am–6:30pm Wed: 10:30am–10:00pm |
Last entry 1 to 1.5 hours before closing |
| Admission | Adult: €16.50 Youth (6–25): €12.50 Child (under 6): Free |
Group and corporate discounts available |
| Access | Metro: Lines 12 (Rue du Bac), 4 (Saint-Sulpice) RER: Line C (Musée d’Orsay) |
Bus: Lines 39, 63, 68, 69, 83, 84, 86, 87, 70, 94, 95, 96 |
| Accessibility | Dedicated entrance: 59 Rue de Grenelle Elevator and wheelchairs available |
Secure access via intercom upon request |
| Booking | Mandatory online | Entry not guaranteed without prior booking |
| Photographs | 350+ images on display | Selected from a total archive of 450,000 |
| Themes | Childhood, artists, suburbs, fashion, daily life | Covers the photographer’s entire career (1934–1994) |
The exhibition “Robert Doisneau. Instants Donnés” features over 350 photographs selected from the artist’s 450,000-image archive. It presents a thematic exploration of his work: childhood, artists, writers, bistros, the Vogue years, hardship, and the suburbs. The exhibition highlights both iconic images and lesser-known series, with prints in black and white as well as color. Curated by Francine Deroudille, Annette Doisneau, Isabelle Benoit, and Benoît Remiche, this exhibition provides a comprehensive view of the photographer’s career, from 1934 to 1994.
The Photographic Universe of Robert Doisneau in Paris
The Poetic Gaze of the Photographer on Paris
Robert Doisneau captured everyday scenes in Paris with a humanist style blending poetry and realism. His photographs — like those featured in other artistic visions of Paris — transform ordinary moments into extraordinary images, revealing his tenderness for urban life.
- “Childhood” series highlighting Doisneau’s gentle eye for children’s spontaneity and games.
- Collections of images featuring famous artists like Picasso and Giacometti in their creative spaces.
- Vogue photographs portraying postwar fashion and elegance with refined aesthetics.
- Portraits in black and white and color of Parisian suburbs, showing daily life and urban moods.
- Presentation of lesser-known works such as advertising visuals and personal creations like collages and photomontages.
Doisneau immortalized the streets of Paris with a humanist approach, blending humor and gravity. His work explores childhood, artists, workers, and popular neighborhoods — a mirror of 20th-century French society.
Postwar Paris Through Doisneau’s Lens
Doisneau’s photographs document post-1944 Paris, capturing the city’s rebuilding and the emotions of its people. See other artistic visions of cities. His black and white images, like “Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville,” symbolize hope after the war.
- Working-class districts depicted in his photos, reflecting social diversity.
- Iconic locations such as the Hôtel de Ville, Seine riverbanks, and cafés in the Latin Quarter.
- Urban transformation from the 1940s through the following decades.
Doisneau’s photographs shaped the collective imagination of Paris, blending realism with poetry. Also explore Paris Photo 2025, a major photography event.
Iconic Photographs on Display
“Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville” and other emblematic works are part of the show. Often staged, these photos convey love and postwar joy.
Doisneau used a Rolleiflex or Leica, favoring natural light for authentic compositions. His techniques, combining patience and observation, place his work firmly within the poetic realism movement. Discover other artistic views of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris.
Exhibition Route at the Musée Maillol
Themes and Sections of the Exhibition
The “Robert Doisneau. Instants Donnés” exhibition at the Musée Maillol follows a path structured around ten themes, exploring the different facets of his work through more than 350 photographs.
- Childhood documentation filled with tenderness and spontaneity.
- Portraits of artists like Picasso and Giacometti in their studios.
- Postwar fashion and luxury photography.
- Scenes from the suburbs in black and white and in color.
- Advertising and personal creations like collages and photomontages.
The exhibition includes interactive features, audio excerpts, and immersive scenography. Audiovisual kiosks allow visitors to hear Doisneau describe his own work, enriching the experience.
Doisneau’s Personal Objects and Archives
The exhibition includes Doisneau’s Rolleiflex camera and annotated notebooks, providing insights into his artistic approach and methodical process.
Visitors can also see his appointment books — including one marking a meeting with Georges Brassens — along with the Leica he used in the 1950s and handwritten notes that reveal his creative process and discipline.
Collaboration Between the Atelier Doisneau and the Musée Maillol
Annette Doisneau and Francine Deroudille, the photographer’s daughters, curated the selection of photographs. They worked with the Atelier Robert Doisneau to honor their father’s artistic legacy.
| Contributor | Role | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Annette Doisneau and Francine Deroudille | Exhibition Curators | Photo selection and storytelling across the photographer’s body of work |
| Musée Maillol | Host venue | Provided two floors of exhibition space |
| Tempora | Event Producer | Scenography design and logistics |
| Atelier Robert Doisneau | Archive Conservator | Provided photos, archives, and personal items |
The choice of Musée Maillol reflects its history of hosting high-profile photography exhibitions. The museum has already featured temporary shows by renowned photographers, reinforcing its credibility in this cultural domain.
The exhibition “Robert Doisneau. Instants Donnés” at the Musée Maillol invites visitors to (re)discover the timeless magic of Paris through 400 iconic photographs, never-before-seen archives, and immersive scenography. To enjoy this exceptional retrospective, book your tickets online before October 12, 2025 — and dive into the poetic soul of the City of Light, where every image tells a story that transcends time.
