In September 2026, photography will celebrate its 200th anniversary all over the world, a major milestone for visual creation, art history and image enthusiasts. In France, this Photography Bicentennial will run from September 2026 to September 2027 with a wide variety of exhibitions, talks, conferences and cultural projects throughout the country. Source: Ministère de la Culture.
A national, widely accessible event
Organised under the aegis of the Ministère de la Culture, the Bicentennial aims to highlight photography in all its forms – artistic, documentary, social and heritage. Labelled projects will be presented across France, including in overseas territories and regions, and will appear on an official interactive map as soon as the full programme is published.
Key exhibitions and events confirmed or eagerly anticipated
Grand Palais (Paris) — January 2026
From 14 to 16 January 2026, a major free event will celebrate “200 years of history, paper, ink and debate” as part of the Bicentennial. This exhibition offers a journey through archives, techniques and emblematic images of the medium. Info: Sortir à Paris.
Why go: a historical deep dive, ideal for understanding how photography has evolved from its beginnings to today.
Nuit de la science — 22 January 2026
A special event will take place on 22 January 2026, from 5 pm to 7 pm, focusing on the history and art of photography in an immersive format, open to both curious visitors and enthusiasts. Info: Institut français.
Why go: an interactive experience to discover the fundamentals of photography in a playful way.
Paris Photo 2026 — Grand Palais
From 12 to 15 November 2026, the legendary fair Paris Photo will bring together more than 200 international exhibitors at the Grand Palais. Although this event takes place every year, the 2026 edition promises to be especially vibrant in the context of the Bicentennial. Info: Paris je t’aime – Office du tourisme.
Why go: it is one of the world’s leading fine art photography fairs, perfect for discovering new works, meeting galleries and talking with artists.
Musée Nicéphore Niépce — Chalon-sur-Saône
As the birthplace of photography, the Musée Nicéphore Niépce is expected to present a major retrospective on the origins of the medium during this anniversary year.
Why go: the museum tells the remarkable story of the first permanent photograph ever made, by Nicéphore Niépce, and helps visitors understand the technical and artistic foundations of photographic images.
Regional initiatives in libraries and archives
Alongside major institutions, itinerant and educational exhibitions will be organised by libraries, local archives and cultural centres throughout France from 2026 to 2027, showcasing little-known or thematic photographic collections. Example: Réseau Métropolitain des Bibliothèques.
Why go: these events are often free and offer the chance to discover unique collections and local perspectives.
What to expect in 2026–2027
- A rich and evolving calendar of photography exhibitions labelled as part of the Photography Bicentennial, across the whole of France. Call for projects: Ministère de la Culture.
- Historical and contemporary installations putting two centuries of photographic practice into perspective.
- Talks and conferences, panel discussions, screenings, educational workshops and meetings with photographers.
- Greater visibility for photography festivals in the regions, cultural institutions and emerging artists.
Why this anniversary matters to you
The Photography Bicentennial is more than just a series of exhibitions; it is a window onto the visual history of our world, from the very first still images to contemporary creations. For lovers of images, art and visual storytelling, it is a unique opportunity to travel through time via iconic photographs and discover new artistic perspectives.
As an online gallery specialising in fine art photography, Une Image pour Rêver invites you to make the most of this celebration to sharpen your eye, find inspiration and, who knows, maybe encounter the artwork that will transform your living space.
Practical tip: plan your visits in advance, as some exhibitions, such as those at the Grand Palais or the Musée Nicéphore Niépce, are likely to attract large audiences.
In short — key dates to remember
- 14–16 January 2026: historical exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris. Info: Sortir à Paris.
- 22 January 2026: Nuit de la science devoted to photography (immersive experience). Info: Institut français.
- 12–15 November 2026: Paris Photo — Grand Palais, a must for fans of fine art photography. Info: Paris je t’aime – Office du tourisme.
- September 2026–September 2027: events, exhibitions and activities labelled as part of the Photography Bicentennial all over France. More information: Ministère de la Culture.
And after that?
Stay in touch with Une Image pour Rêver to discover our curated selection of fine art photographs inspired by this Bicentennial, along with guides, interviews and visit ideas to deepen your passion for images.
