Exhibition "I Photo" Musée d'Orsay from October 28, 2025, to February 15, 2026

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The exhibition "I Photo" honors Gabrielle Hébert, a pioneer of photography and the first visual chronicler of the Villa Medici. Through her photographs, she documents her life, her husband Ernest Hébert, and the artistic atmosphere of the time, offering a unique perspective on creation and love through the lens.

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€16

"I Photo" Exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay

Entrance to permanent collections and exhibitions

Access to the temporary exhibition and the permanent collections of the Musée d'Orsay

From October 28, 2025, to February 15, 2026
From Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Late night on Thursdays until 9:45 PM

€16

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What to expect

Exhibition "Je photo" – Gabrielle Hébert, First Photographer Chronicler of the Villa Médicis and… of Wild Love

Musée d'Orsay, Paris – From October 28, 2025, to February 15, 2026

The "Je photo" exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay invites you to discover a fascinating and lesser-known aspect of the history of photography through the work of Gabrielle Hébert. The first photographic chronicler of the Villa Médicis and wife of the renowned artist Ernest Hébert, Gabrielle Hébert managed to capture the very essence of artistic and intimate life in an era marked by social and political upheavals. This exhibition offers a unique journey into the past, at the crossroads of arts and human passions, and it is an unmissable opportunity for all art, history, and photography enthusiasts.

A Journey Through Gabrielle Hébert's Lens

Gabrielle Hébert, born Gabriele von Uckermann in 1853, had a lasting influence on photography at a time when this medium was still largely dominated by men. The "Je photo" exhibition showcases her remarkable work, particularly during her years at the Villa Médicis in Rome between 1888 and 1908. As the wife of the director of the Académie de France in Rome, Ernest Hébert, she had privileged access to the behind-the-scenes of this prestigious institution, a true laboratory of creation and culture. But beyond her role as the wife of the director, Gabrielle Hébert played a key role in documenting daily life at the Villa Médicis through her passion for photography.

She distinguished herself with a modern and intimate perspective, capturing moments of life among the residents, visitors, and even her husband, whom she immortalized relentlessly. Her photographs are a rare testimony to life at the Villa Médicis at the end of the 19th century, offering an authentic and unfiltered view of the artistic workshop. The exhibition also highlights her photographic explorations outside the institutional framework, including her travels to Spain in 1898, where she demonstrates her avant-garde perspective influenced by the early innovations of cinema.

Why Visit the Exhibition?

This exhibition is an exceptional opportunity to discover a pioneering female artist in a field still dominated by men. Gabrielle Hébert’s work is more than just a collection of portraits and landscapes; it tells the story of her time, her marriage, her love for photography, and her role as a chronicler of a historical moment. Her images are a testament to an era when photography was becoming a deeply personal form of expression but also a tool for memory and the preservation of the moment.

By exploring this exhibition, visitors will have the chance to discover original prints, photographic albums, as well as personal objects such as cameras, boxes of glass plates, and letters. These items add an intimate dimension to the exhibition and allow visitors to immerse themselves in Gabrielle Hébert’s world. Moreover, enlargements made from her negatives, not printed by her herself, will enrich your visual experience and help you appreciate the depth of her work. By presenting not only her works but also her creative instruments, the exhibition honors the artist while celebrating her essential role in the history of photography.

The Musée d'Orsay: A Must-See Venue

Located in the heart of Paris, the Musée d'Orsay is an iconic venue that houses an exceptional collection of 19th and early 20th-century artworks. This museum, housed in the former Gare d'Orsay station, is one of the most beautiful museums in the capital. With its vast, light-filled spaces and its rich collection, it provides the ideal setting to host an exhibition as intimate and moving as that of Gabrielle Hébert. In addition to discovering the "Je photo" exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to discover or rediscover the museum's magnificent permanent collections, which include works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and many others.

Opening Hours and Practical Information

The "Je photo" exhibition will be open to the public from October 28, 2025, to February 15, 2026. You can visit it Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with a late night on Thursdays until 9:45 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays. These hours offer great flexibility for planning your visit, whether you are a resident of Paris or just passing through the capital.

To make the most of your experience, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak periods such as school holidays. Online booking guarantees quick entry and helps avoid long queues. In addition, advance booking ensures that you won’t miss this rare exhibition, particularly with its end scheduled for February 2026.

Prices

Entrance to the exhibition is available at very reasonable prices:

Standard timed ticket: €16
Reduced timed ticket: €13
(valid for young people under 26, unemployed, disabled people, etc.)
Late night ticket: €12
Free for children under 18 and residents of the European Union under 26.

These prices make access to art and history affordable for a wide audience while helping to fund the upkeep of the collections and the organization of quality events. It is important to note that free entry is reserved for specific audiences: children under 18 and young people under 26 from the EU. Once on site, you can also enjoy ticketing services and audio guides available to enrich your visit.

Book Now

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover one of the most intimate and important aspects of the history of photography through the eyes of Gabrielle Hébert. Booking in advance will not only guarantee your place but also allow you to experience an immersive and memorable journey into the world of a woman who made a mark in art history.

Visit the "Je photo" exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay, embark on a journey through photography, love, and creation, and let yourself be inspired by Gabrielle Hébert's timeless perspective.

Schedule

Available every day except on Monday
Schedule: 9:30 am

Come discover the world of Gabrielle Hébert in a group!

Are you organizing an event for a group of more than 10 people?

Offer your group a unique experience through the exhibition "Je photo" at the Musée d'Orsay. Dive into the work of a photography pioneer and explore the intimacy of Villa Médicis. Fill out our form to book your visit!

Feel free to contact us at +33 148-740-510 for any requests.

Common questions

What does the exhibition « Je photo » highlight?

The exhibition shines a light on Gabrielle Hébert, a pioneering photographer and the first visual chronicler of the Villa Medici, showcasing her works and unique photographic practice.

Where is the exhibition taking place?

The exhibition is held at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, from October 28, 2025, to February 15, 2026.

When will the exhibition be available at the Villa Medici in Rome?

The exhibition will be presented at the Villa Medici in Rome in the fall of 2026.

What is the connection between Gabrielle Hébert and the Villa Medici?

Gabrielle Hébert lived there as the wife of Ernest Hébert, director of the Académie de France in Rome. She practiced photography and documented the daily life of the institution.

What kind of works will be exhibited?

The exhibition features original prints by Gabrielle Hébert, photographic albums, glass plates, cameras, and enlargements of her unprinted negatives.

What types of photographs did Gabrielle Hébert take?

She explored various genres, including portrait, nude, reproduction of artworks, landscape, and “photographic recreations” in the context of her daily life at the Villa Medici.