Agnès Varda’s Paris: the landmark exhibition at the Museum Carnavalet
From April 9 to August 24, 2025, the Museum Carnavalet – History of Paris presents a unique exhibition entitled Agnès Varda’s Paris, Here and There. This retrospective highlights the deep connection between filmmaker and photographer Agnès Varda and the city of Paris, especially her iconic courtyard studio on Rue Daguerre. Through a rich selection of photographs, films, and personal objects, the exhibition offers an immersive journey into the creative world of this beloved artist.
The Rue Daguerre studio: a unique space of creation
In 1951, Agnès Varda moved into 86 Rue Daguerre, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. This courtyard studio quickly became the heart of her artistic activity. Initially used as a photography studio and darkroom, it hosted her first solo exhibition in 1954. The Carnavalet exhibition reveals never-before-seen prints from that period, showcasing her singular eye for the poetic strangeness of everyday life. Wolf children, smiling chairs, and angels riding the métro reflect her love of surrealism.
In the 1960s, the courtyard evolved into a true artistic hub. Shared with her husband, filmmaker Jacques Demy, it became a gathering place for figures from the world of cinema and theater. Exhibited photographs and archival materials capture the lively creative energy of this circle of friends: Federico Fellini in a stone bathtub on the outskirts of Paris, Anna Karina beaming at her rainy wedding, Alexander Calder proudly displaying his mobile in the middle of the street…
« To me, photography is a marvelous mystery: what happens just before and just after a snapshot? And cinema is made up of thousands of photographs… »
Paris, an endless source of inspiration
Agnès Varda always had a special relationship with Paris, and particularly with the 14th arrondissement! Her camera captured the city with a curious and humorous eye. The photographs selected for the exhibition highlight her unique vision. Once again, we’re treated to a series of images—many previously unseen—that reflect her fascination with Parisian streets and the people who bring them to life.
Her cinema is not overlooked either, as the French capital features prominently in Agnès Varda’s filmography. Clips from films shot fully or partially in Paris are shown throughout the exhibition. Among them are works discussed in our own Ciné-Balade : the delightful Daguerréotypes (1975), her masterpiece Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962), The Beaches of Agnès(2008), as well as unfinished or lesser-known films, inviting visitors to stroll from one Paris to another, and from one story to the next, alongside beloved actors and actresses.
An exhibition on Agnès Varda, the result of in-depth research
This retrospective is the outcome of over two years of research, drawing primarily on Agnès Varda’s photographic archive and the records of her production company, Ciné-Tamaris. A true success! This rich and varied collection offers a comprehensive immersion into the artist’s world.
And finally, last but not least! In addition to photographs and films, the exhibition features personal objects belonging to Agnès Varda, posters, publications, a sculpture of her cat Nini, and even Cléo’s gorgeous frog ring—an invaluable relic from the film! For those already familiar with her work, these intimate items shed new light on her personality and creative process. You leave the exhibition struck by the full scope and diversity of her artistic legacy.
Don’t miss Carnavalet!
Agnès Varda’s Paris, Here and There is a wonderful opportunity to rediscover Paris through the lens of one of its greatest artists. The exhibition is rich, often humorous, as inventive as Agnès Varda herself, and reveals her unwavering bond with the French capital. A must-see for anyone passionate about cinema, photography, and the history of Paris.
Practical information
Dates: April 9 to August 24, 2025
Location: Musée Carnavalet – History of Paris, 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ticket office closes at 5:15 p.m.). Closed Mondays and on certain public holidays.
Admission: Full price: €15; Reduced price: €13; Free for visitors under 18.
For more information, visit the museum’s official website: Agnès Varda’s Paris