Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson
Parisian foundation devoted to the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck, presenting several photography exhibitions each year in the Marais.
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About the museum
The Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson is a private foundation, recognised as being in the public interest even before it opened. In the late 1990s, Henri Cartier-Bresson and his wife Martine Franck conceived the institution to preserve and promote their work, with the help of their daughter Mélanie. It opened in 2003 and is considered the first institution created by a photographer during his lifetime to safeguard his work.
For fifteen years the Foundation was located in the Montparnasse district, on the impasse Lebouis. Since 2018 it has been on rue des Archives in the Marais, on about 300 m². It holds the archives of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck: a very large collection of photographic images and archival material.
In keeping with its founders' wishes, the Foundation does not set aside space for a permanent exhibition of their photographs. It organises several exhibition cycles a year, devoted either to one of the two founders or to other photographers whose vision is close to theirs. Every two years it also awards the Prix Henri Cartier-Bresson, and offers lectures, guided tours and educational activities.
Highlights
- Photographic archive of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck
- Several photography exhibition cycles each year
- Located in the heart of the Marais, close to many museums
- Free-access bookshop
- Guided tours by artists, the curator or guides
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Fondation privée reconnue d'utilité publique
- Director
- Clément Chéroux
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6People aged 65 and over, job seekers, under-25s (inclusive), members of the Maison des Artistes; proof no older than 3 months |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Free admission up to and including age 18, with proof. |
| Seniors | €6From age 65, with proof. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for visitors with disabilities, with proof. |
| Students & apprentices | €6Reduced rate for under-25s (inclusive), with proof. |
| Annual pass “À la Sauvette” (full price, two people) | €50Unlimited access to the exhibitions for the holder and one person of their choice; reduced rate for events and guided tours. |
| Annual pass “À l'œil” (ages 18–30) | €30Same benefits as the full-price pass. |
Free admission: Duo offer for 18–25-year-olds every Wednesday: one ticket bought on site, a second ticket free for the same day.
Free admission, with proof, for subscribers, recipients of social minimum benefits, ICOM members, Friends of the Foundation and journalists holding a press card. The bookshop is free to enter.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Foundation states that all its exhibition spaces are accessible to visitors with disabilities. The free “Souffleurs d'Images” service lets blind and visually impaired visitors tour with an art student or a volunteer artist; book at least 15 days in advance by email (mediation@henricartierbresson.org).
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The Foundation has no dedicated bicycle parking; several racks are available on rue des Archives.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Free-access bookshop.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Events and private hire enquiries should be sent by email to contact@henricartierbresson.org.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours led by artists, the curator or guide-lecturers, at a reduced rate for subscribers. Contact for mediation: mediation@henricartierbresson.org. The photographs of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck are not on permanent display. |
