Guide to Paris
Museums of Photography

while you're in paris, see the work of
some of the best photographers in the world

What better way to explore the City of Light than visiting Paris museums that focus on photography?

Legendary names of photography like Doisneau, Cartier-Bresson and Man Ray have a city in common – Paris. Photographers have always been in love with Paris and many have made the capital their home and one of their favorite subjects.

You can follow the greats of the past and the up-and-coming photographers of today at these small Paris museums.

Some of the largest collections of photography is found at the European House of Photography (the MEP, as it's known) and at Musée Carnavalet. When you want to catch up with the moderns head to the Jeu de Paume.

Paris Museums of Photography

Jeu de Paume

This modern photography museum has had a long and varied past. Originally built by Napoleon III in 1861 as tennis courts (jeu de paume), it was used by the Nazis in the 1940s to store their stolen Jewish loot. Before 1986, it held many Impressionist paintings which now live at the Musée d'Orsay. Today it's used for changing photography exhibitions, and there's always something fresh and interesting on display.

National Gallery of Jeu de Paume
1 Place de la Concorde, 75008
Metro: Concorde
Open: Tues Noon to 9:00, Wed-Fri Noon to 7:00, Sat-Sun 10:00 to 7:00
Closed: Monday and public holidays
Website »

Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP)

MEP

One of the largest collections of photographs in Europe is found in this pleasant building next to the St Paul Metro station, close to the Seine. MEP presents three types of visual arts: photographic prints, the printed page, and video.

European House of Photography
5 Rue de Fourcy, 75004
Metro: Saint Paul
Open: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday and public holidays
Website »

Photography Walking Tours

What city is more photogenic than Paris? And what better place to learn to improve your photography? These 3- and 4-hour tours get you to some of the best known sights, as well as photographers' secret locations. All the while, you'll be sharpening your technique!

Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Set up to promote and preserve the work of world-famous French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004), the foundation also stages three or four exhbitions a year, with works by HCB and other photographers.

Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson
2 Impasse Lebouis, 75014
Metro: Gaité, Edgard Quinet
Open: 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm, Saturday 11:00 am to 6:45 pm
Closed: Monday and public holidays
Website »

Maison de la Photographie Robert Doisneau

Robert Doisneau

The home of the most famous of French photographers, Robert Doisneau, has been turned into a museum dedicated to photography. It's beyond the périphérique (that is, outside of the center of Paris) but it's an easy ride on RER Line B. You will be rewarded with a handsome collection of his work as well as temporary exhibits.

House of Photographer Robert Doisneau
1 Rue de la Division du General Leclerc, 94250 Gentilly
RER B, station Gentilly
Open: Wed & Fri noon to 7:00 pm; Sat 10:00 am to noon, 2:00 pm to 7 pm;
Sun 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and public holidays
Website »

Musée Carnavalet

Carnavalet is one of the great Paris museums. In addition to the superb collection dedicated to the history of the City of Paris, Carnavalet also is home to 150,000 photos, one of the greatest photography collections in France.

Carnavalet: The Museum Of The History Of Paris
23 rue de Sévigné, 75003
Metro: St-Paul, Chemin Vert
Open: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Closed: Monday and public holidays
Website »