Several shows at once
The building's floors carry different exhibitions simultaneously.
Mbzt — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Daniel Hennemand from Paris, France — CC BY 2.0 · Zoelielpr — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mbzt — CC BY 3.0
An institution devoted to photography in an eighteenth-century mansion in the Marais, among the most important photography centres in Europe. The programme rests on changing exhibitions of contemporary and historic photographers, several running at once across the building's floors. The institution holds a large collection of photography from the 1940s onward, but what matters more is its live activity: first exhibitions by young photographers alongside established names. The building combines a historic mansion with a contemporary extension, and the vaulted lower spaces are used for screenings and video. Practical points: there is no permanent collection on show — what you see depends entirely on the programme when you visit, so check it beforehand. A reduced or free hour each week is sometimes offered. The building holds a photography library and a café that can be entered without a ticket. It sometimes closes two days a week.
The building's floors carry different exhibitions simultaneously.
First shows by young photographers alongside international figures.
The lower spaces are used for screenings and video, with a different atmosphere.
Marais, 4th arrondissement, Paris
Mémorial de la ShoahIn the heart of **Le Marais** — Paris's historic Jewish quarter — stands Europe'3 minutes walk4.6
Musée CarnavaletThe oldest museum in Paris and the most Parisian: Carnavalet tells the biography5 minutes walk4.8
Square Henri Galli — Stones of the BastilleA small garden on Boulevard Henri IV near the river, holding what may be the mos6 minutes walk3.8
place des VosgesThe oldest planned square in Paris and its most complete: a perfect quadrangle o6 minutes walk4.5
Musée PicassoIn the grandest private mansion of the Marais — the Hôtel Salé with its majestic7 minutes walk4.3Looking for halal food near Maison Européenne de la Photographie? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
Chez le LibanaisHalalA small counter on Rue Saint-André des Arts, one of the busiest pedestrian stree16 minutes walk · $4.5Al DarHalalAl Dar is a Lebanese restaurant in the Latin Quarter, a few minutes on foot from10 minutes walk · $$4.1AssanabelHalalAssanabel is a small Lebanese restaurant on Rue Jacob, one of the prettiest and 23 minutes walk · $$4.9The official site lists the current exhibitions and their dates. This matters more here than at any other museum because nothing is permanent — you may find a show that captivates you or a subject that means nothing to you, and the difference is entirely timing.
Both show photography and the image. The Jeu de Paume, in the Tuileries, leans towards theoretical exhibitions and visual art broadly, while the MEP concentrates on photography as a medium and runs more parallel shows. If photography specifically interests you, start here.