Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Maison de la photographie Robert-Doisneau is an exhibition centre inaugurated in April 1996 in Gentilly, Val-de-Marne. Located at 1 rue de la Division-du-General-Leclerc, it occupies one of the oldest buildings in the city, built in the 18th century by the Jesuits. This place initially served as a country house and relaxation for the students of Louis-le-General, although its precise use remains unknown. In the 20th century, it became a furnished hotel, the Hotel du Paroy, before being bought by the municipality in 1985, then in ruins and without defined project.

In 1992, Gentilly celebrated the 80th anniversary of Robert Doisneau, a photographer born in the city in 1912. On this occasion, he agreed that his name should be associated with the old hotel, transformed into a place dedicated to photography. Work is being carried out by architect Jacqueline Eberhard to develop the 200 m2 of interior space. Robert Doisneau died in 1994, and the Maison opened its doors in 1996, sponsored by Jean Dieuzaide, another major figure in humanist photography.

Since its opening, the Maison de la photographie has offered temporary exhibitions, exploring humanist photography, without preserving permanent collections. It also organizes educational projects such as Photography at School, involving children. Two funds have been set up over the years: the school project and the works of Gentilly's Municipal Contemporary Art Fund.

Originally managed by the community of agglomeration of the Val de Bièvre from 2006, the institution has since 2016 been under the responsibility of the Grand-Orly Seine Bièvre territorial public establishment. It is directed by Annie-Laure Wanaverbecq from 1996 to 2013, and by Michaël Houlette since 2014. The building, difficult to locate because of its stalemate, remains a living tribute to the work and spirit of Robert Doisneau.

The exhibitions presented since 1996 cover various themes, from humanist photography to amateur archives, as well as tributes to figures such as Émile Savitry or Marcel Bovis. Annual programming includes four exhibitions, combining historical holdings and contemporary creations, while integrating educational initiatives and partnerships with photographic agencies or studios.

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