Photo Enthusiast? Visit the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris

Entirely dedicated to the medium of photography, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson opened in 2003 in cooperation with the eponymous and world-renowned photographer. Housed in an ornate art-deco style building that dates to 1912, the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson comprises two exhibition rooms joined by an eye-catching spiral staircase (pictured). While most tourists never see this gem nestled in a mostly residential area of south Paris, it's well worth the metro trip if you're interested in the history and art of photography, and enjoy exploring smaller collections.

Spotlight on Great Lenses of the Twentieth Century

The Foundation, though still young, showcases three exhibits a year and has already become one of Paris' most important exhibition spaces for the photographic medium. In addition to temporary spotlights on different aspects of Cartier-Bresson's work, the foundation has recently run successful exhibits on photographers such as August Sander, Willy Ronis, and Robert Doisneau, and is in the process of creating a permanent archive on Henri Cartier-Bresson's work that will be consultable to scholars, historians, and others by appointment only.

Location

Address: 2, Impasse Lebouis, 14th arrondissement
Metro: Gaite (line 13) or Montparnasse (Line 4,6,12,13)
Tel: +33(0)156 802 700
Visit the official website (in English)

Opening Hours

The Foundation is open from Tuesday-Sunday, 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Try to arrive no later than 6pm to purchase tickets to ensure that you'll be permitted entry.
Saturday: 11:00 am to 6:45 pm
Extended hours and free admission on Wednesday evenings: 6:30 to pm to 8:30 pm Closed: Mondays, French bank holidays and between Christmas Day and New Year's Day