France celebrates bicentenary of photography with global exhibitions

The French Ministry of Culture is launching a major celebration to mark the bicentenary of photography, running through September 2027. The initiative spans France and more than thirty countries, highlighting both historical and contemporary photographic creations, public collections, and publishing.

As part of the 2026-2027 school year, educational resources will be provided through the Histoire des Arts portal, including a dossier on Pictorialism. This late 19th-century movement sought to establish photography as a fine art by prioritizing aesthetics, light effects, and atmosphere over literal representation.

Key upcoming events include several exhibitions by the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the Musée Nicéphore Niépce. Additionally, the Musée d'Orsay will host an exhibition featuring artist Youssef Nabil. While a planned exhibition at the Grand Palais was canceled due to budgetary constraints to make room for a Cézanne exhibition, the commemorative catalog, titled PHOTOgraphies, will still be released.