In 2025, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Charles Garnier’s New Opera House. This iconic building, inaugurated in 1875, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Second Empire and was completed during the Third Republic. It reflects Garnier's brilliance, with every stage of its construction immortalized by the photographers Delmaet and Durandelle.
This chronological exhibition traces the photographic journey of Gabrielle Hébert, from her beginnings in 1888 to her final works in 1908. It explores how she utilized photography and how it influenced her life. Through her images, Hébert established herself as a notable figure, gaining recognition in a male-dominated domain of artistic expression. Her collection serves as the first photographic account of daily life within the institution that supports artists. The exhibition features original prints in 9 x 12 cm format, alongside albums, diaries, glass plate negatives, and her cameras. The display is complemented by artworks from Ernest Hébert and personal keepsakes that narrate the love story tied to a man and a country.
Musée d’Orsay | Flickr: Yann Caradec CC BY-SA 2.0
Opéra Garnier | Flickr: scarletgreen CC BY 2.0