Paris Photo 2026: The Press Preview Opens a New Chapter in Photography’s 200-Year History

A first look before the doors open to the public

There is a particular atmosphere during the final hours before an international art fair opens its doors.

The exhibition spaces are ready, galleries present their selections and professionals have the opportunity to discover the works before the arrival of the wider public.

On Wednesday, November 11, the Grand Palais hosted the press and professional preview of Paris Photo 2026.

The event returns for its 29th edition, bringing together 244 exhibitors, including 197 galleries and 47 publishers from 38 countries.

The public will be able to visit the fair from Thursday, November 12, through Sunday, November 15.

Two hundred years of photography

This year’s edition carries special historical significance.

The bicentenary of photography provides an opportunity to reflect on a medium that has transformed the way societies record events, preserve memories and express artistic ideas.

From the earliest experiments with light-sensitive materials to contemporary digital creations, photography has constantly evolved.

It has become a tool for documenting history, a form of artistic expression and an essential part of modern communication.

At the Grand Palais, these different histories meet through photographs, installations, publications and contemporary projects.

The Centre Pompidou explores the meaning of photographic images

One of the key presentations is “Révéler”, a selection drawn from the photography collection of the Centre Pompidou.

Around 100 works by approximately 30 historical and contemporary artists are presented through two themes: “Faire l’image” and “Identités”.

The exhibition explores how photographs are created and how images contribute to the representation of individuals and societies.

It also highlights an important distinction: photography is not simply the reproduction of reality. It is shaped by the choices of the photographer, the circumstances of production and the perspective of the viewer.

Women photographers in focus

The “Elles × Paris Photo” programme continues to highlight women’s contribution to photography.

Curator Aldeide Delgado presents “An Oceanic Beginning”, a project exploring photographic creation through the theme of the ocean.

Japanese artist Mika Ninagawa is among the artists featured in this programme.

The initiative contributes to a wider international discussion about the recognition of women artists and their place in photographic history.

Photography in the age of artificial intelligence

The relationship between photography and digital technology is becoming increasingly important.

Artificial intelligence has introduced new possibilities for creating and modifying images. At the same time, it raises questions about authenticity, authorship and the documentary value of visual material.

These questions are particularly relevant to press and documentary photography.

A photograph taken in a real situation and an image entirely generated by artificial intelligence do not have the same relationship with reality.

For journalists, photographers and editors, transparency about how images are produced and modified is becoming essential.

The Digital programme, curated by Marco de Mutiis, offers an opportunity to explore the changing boundaries of contemporary image-making.

Photobooks: telling stories beyond the exhibition walls

Paris Photo also provides an important space for photographic publishing.

Books offer photographers another way to organise their work and communicate with audiences.

Through the selection of images, their sequence and the physical design of the publication, a photobook can create a narrative that develops page by page.

Book Talks, signing sessions and the Paris Photo–Aperture PhotoBook Awards highlight the importance of this form of visual storytelling.

An international meeting place for photography

Beyond the exhibitions, Paris Photo brings together galleries, publishers, artists, collectors and cultural institutions.

The presence of exhibitors from 38 countries reflects the international reach of photography and the diversity of contemporary artistic approaches.

For four days, the Grand Palais becomes a place where different generations and photographic cultures can meet.

The professional preview on November 11 marks the beginning of the event, ahead of the public opening on Thursday.

Two hundred years after its earliest experiments, photography continues to evolve. Its techniques and tools may change, but its ability to preserve moments, question reality and create new perspectives remains central to its importance.

Visitor information

Grand Palais, Avenue Winston Churchill, Paris, France.

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