Le Bicentenaire de la Photographie 2026-2027

In 2026, photography is celebrating its 200th anniversary.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Bicentenary of Photography will showcase photography in all its forms, in metropolitan France, in overseas territories and in more than thirty countries around the world, from September 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.

From the first image fixed by Nicéphore Niépce in 1826/1827, Le Point de vue du Gras, to the most contemporary practices, photography has profoundly shaped our way of seeing the world, witnessing events and transmitting stories, emotions and ideas. This bicentenary will pay tribute to this medium through a popular and festive program, highlighting the richness of the collections, the vitality of creation and the major role of France in the world photographic landscape.

The event will highlight both the history and uses of photography as well as its technological developments, from film to digital and artificial intelligence. It will more broadly salute all of its professions: shooters, supervisors, publishers, printers etc. and will be embodied in numerous events: exhibitions, festivals, conferences, workshops, publications and audiovisual projects.

The scientific committee of the bicentenary of photography highlights:
“the celebration of the first photograph is a wonderful opportunity to trace the major stages in the evolution of this art – from Niépce’s heliography to digital images – and to honor its creators, from 1826 to today, but also to bring us together around common and singular images. Photography has gradually become one of the most democratic artistic expressions. She has been writing our shared history for two hundred years.”