The Musée Maillol near our hotels has a new exhibition with over 350 photos from the famous photographer Robert Doisneau, who captured Paris with a poetic yet humorous touch like no-one else.

If we had to name just one photographer who perfectly captures the classic spirit of Paris, it would most certainly be Robert Doisneau. You probably know his famous shot of a couple kissing in front of Hôtel de Ville (a candid-looking scene that was actually staged) that was published by Life magazine in 1950. 75 years later, it still perfectly encapsulates the feeling of the city, filled with love in the air.

Doisneau of course took many other astounding photos – many, many others: of children in the city, Paris’ bistrots, artists, amusing scenes of everyday life…

This new exhibition, created in collaboration with the photographer’s two daughter Annette Doisneau and Francine Deroudille, includes a selection of nearly 400 shots chosen from the photographer’s archives that contain 450,000(!). Some of Doisneau’s series have notably been expanded especially for the event.

Spread over the museum’s two floors, there are of course many wonderful photos of Paris on show, but also some of Doisneau’s fashion photography, examples of his rare colour shots and quite a few photos that you’ll probably recognise, like this one of a pensive schoolchild ⤵️

It’s the first time in a while that a comprehensive show of Doisneau’s work has been shown in the city, so if you are not familiar with his poetic realism and mischievous sense of humour, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

---

The exhibition Robert Doisneau – Instants Donnés is at the Maillol Museum (here) until 12th October 2025

Open every day from 10.30am-6.30pm (10pm Wednesdays)

Admission: 16.50€ / 12.50€ (online ticket sales here)

Website / Facebook / Instagram

What3Words ///stunts.oven.respect

Voir cette publication sur Instagram