The Foundation

Established by Henri Cartier-Bresson, his wife Martine Franck, and their daughter Mélanie, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation opened its doors in May 2003. It now preserves Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck’s archives. Privately owned and recognized as being of public interest, the Foundation is now one of the most prestigious institutions in Paris.

WHY A FOUNDATION?

• To preserve the independence and legacy of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck’s work.
• To retain an exceptional body of work in France.
• To show – via exhibitions – the “highlights” of the collection and the work of other photographers, painters, sculptors, and illustrators.
• To enable researchers to carry out their studies with more ease.
• To provide support to new photographic projects by organizing, every two years, the HCB Award with an international jury.
• To open up a debate on photography by organizing conferences, round-table discussions and screenings.

THE EXHIBITIONS AT THE FONDATION HCB

According to its founders’ will, the Fondation HCB preserves the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck but does not devote space to a permanent exhibition of their photographs. Located in the Marais, the place also welcomes the work of other photographers.

The work of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck travels internationally, in prestigious institutions.