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Image by Frédéric Moussaïan
Henri Cartier-Bresson died in 2004 and is remembered as one of the most important French press photographers of the past century (he co-founded Magnum Photos agency in 1947). In 2003, he and his family decided to create this foundation in order to conserve his works and to organize lectures and exhibitions related to photography.
Not to be confused with contemporary art orientated Fondation Cartier which is in the same neighborhood, Fondation Cartier-Bresson is located in an elegant building (once an artist studio, as there were many in Montparnasse) in a small and isolated cul-de-sac. A bench and 5 birches confer an original charm to the place. The building has four floors, with the reception (plus vast convenient free lockers) on the ground floor, exhibition rooms on the first and second, and a relaxing space on the third floor.
Temporary exhibitions are not focused only on Cartier-Bresson’s photographs, but generally display other artists whose style, period or favourite themes are similar to Cartier-Bresson’s.
The top floor is a relaxing area with a dozen of Cartier-Bresson’s photographs, and a resource centre, with books and audiovisual material.
On Wednesday evenings, it’s possible to visit the foundation for free between 18:30 and 20:30 (last admission 20:00). For photo lovers on a budget, it can thus be combined with the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (check the Maison Européenne de la Photographie article), also free on Wednesdays after 17:00.
Current exhibition: Vanessa Winship (until 28th July 2013)
Fondation Cartier-Bresson | Art & culture | Entrance € 6
2 impasse Lebouis | +33156802700
Tue – Sun 13:00 – 18:30, Sat 11:00 – 18:45, Wed (free) 18:30 – 20:30
What exhibit will be on between Oct 27-Nov 10, 2013, please? I go to Paris twice a year and always like to plan ahead. For anyone wanting to see photography in Paris: Jew de Paume Museum is the Nat’l Photogrpahy Museum; Maison de Europeen Photographie in the Marais usually has 5 shows at a time. Also check out the weekly 40 cent “Pariscope” magazine that comes out every Wednesday.
I don’t know at all what’ll be the programme in 2013, I’m not even sure if the Foundation knows itself…
You should check a few months before, or write directly them to get more information about their future schedule.
I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon here. It was a wonderful tribute to photography.
Worth visiting!
thanks for this info, I love photography and will be visiting Paris in May 2011…for sure will visit this place
very interesting exhibition.Magnificent architecture in Art nouveau style.There is an elevator for the disabled.