Celebrated photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand officially opened his ambitious exhibition "France: A Family Album" on Monday at the prestigious honor halls of Paris City Hall. The groundbreaking photographic project, which has been over three decades in the making, aims to capture the diverse faces and essence of France and its inhabitants through an unprecedented visual documentation effort.
Arthus-Bertrand embarked on this monumental project more than 30 years ago with the mission of representing France and its people in their full diversity. Working alongside his dedicated team, the renowned photographer established over 80 photo studios across France, ultimately capturing portraits of nearly 30,000 individuals. The extensive undertaking was designed to highlight the remarkable diversity of faces that make up the French nation, celebrating the country's multicultural character.
To enhance the project's educational and analytical value, Arthus-Bertrand collaborated with demographer Hervé Le Bras, adding a significant demographic and pedagogical dimension to the exhibition. This partnership has transformed the visual project into a comprehensive study that emphasizes the concept of "living together" and community cohesion in contemporary France. The collaboration brings both artistic and scientific perspectives to the understanding of French society's composition.
The free exhibition offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to explore spaces typically closed to the public. The honor halls of Paris City Hall have been transformed into a unique exhibition space covering more than 1,500 square meters, with displays extending even into Mayor Anne Hidalgo's office. This exceptional access to normally restricted areas of the iconic building adds another layer of significance to the cultural event.
The exhibition runs from October 20 through November 2, 2025, and is open to all visitors free of charge. However, advance reservations are mandatory and must be made through the Paris City Hall website. Organizers emphasize that entry will not be permitted without a confirmed reservation, and visitors may be required to present identification upon arrival. The exhibition is located at Paris City Hall, 3 Rue de Lobau, 75004 Paris, with additional information available at www.Franceunalbumdefamille.fr.
