Robert Doisneau in Rome: Major Retrospective at Museo del Genio

Robert Doisneau: a journey through everyday Paris

Until 19 July 2026 the Museo del Genio presents a retrospective dedicated to Robert Doisneau, one of the foremost interpreters of 20th-century humanist photography. The exhibition gathers over 140 photographs spanning from his early work in the 1930s to his fully mature pieces, offering a vivid portrait of street life, small gestures and human relationships.

The power of his images

Doisneau’s gaze favours moments that tell a story: Parisian streets, playing children, couples, workers and figures from the art world. His soft black-and-white transforms the everyday into memory, making each photograph a document of life and an act of resistance against oblivion.

The famous kiss

Among the works on display is Le baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville (1950), an image that became an international symbol. Although staged with two drama students, the photograph acquired a symbolic power that helped shape the visual myth of romantic Paris. The exhibition provides critical context on the image, from its production to its cultural impact.

Portraits and public figures

Alongside anonymous street subjects, Doisneau photographed many prominent 20th-century personalities, portraying them with humanity rather than formal glorification. Artists, actors and fashion figures appear captured with ease and irony.

Why visit

• See over 140 photographs covering the artist’s entire career.
• Explore photography as a social narrative and tool of memory.
• View iconic images that shaped the perception of 20th-century Paris.

Practical information

• Title: Robert Doisneau
• Venue: Museo del Genio, Rome
• Dates: 5 March – 19 July 2026
• Opening hours: Monday closed; Tuesday–Friday 10:00–17:00; Saturday and Sunday 10:00–20:00 (last entry one hour before)
• Tickets: Full €15; Reduced €13; Open €17
• Services: Audio guide included

Curated by the Atelier Robert Doisneau and Gabriele Accornero, the exhibition is designed for photography enthusiasts and visitors interested in visual storytelling of 20th-century everyday life.