Opening the world album, the photo exhibition that makes us travel at the Quai Branly Museum - photos

The collections of the Quai Branly Museum contain numerous sculptures, clothing, paintings, art objects, audiovisual productions, but also photographs! These images of the past allow us to have a precise idea of the civilizations of the whole world, even though these cultures of Asia, Africa, America or Oceania were very far from the European populations.

The Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum is therefore unveiling part of its photographic collection through an exhibition of nearly 300 photographs taken between 1842 and 1911 in various countries outside Europe. This exhibition, entitled Opening the World Album, explores the development of photography in the world.

With the invention of photography in the mid-19th century came the desire to immortalize every corner of the planet. Armed with various cameras, photographers embarked on trains and boats to discover the world through their lens. Europe seemed too small for these adventurers, who sought to explore new cultures.

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They joined military or scientific expeditions and took advantage of colonization to meet local populations and immortalize their habits and customs.

But the art of photography is not only a strictly European invention. This exhibition also highlights photographers from around the world. In Japan, Colombia, Madagascar, Iran, India, West Africa, the locals have also appropriated this new technology, to make their own photographs.

Quickly, travel and photography are combined. In diplomacy, as in tourism, these eternal images quickly gained in importance, and allowed the alliance of locals and travelers.

Technological innovation, scientific or political tool, or simple passion: photography has revolutionized the world, and has created exceptional testimonies of the past. Don't miss the beautiful exhibition at the Quai Branly Museum!