Madeleine De Sinety
- Jeu de Paume, Paris
18 Jun - 27 Sep 2026
From€14.00
Recommended
From
€14.00
The exhibition Fragile Beauty at the Jeu de Paume offers an extraordinary immersion into the private world of Sir Elton John and David Furnish, showcasing one of the most significant private photography collections in existence. Spanning from the 1950s to the present day, this curated selection of over 300 rare prints serves as a profound narrative of modern and contemporary history. The exhibition is structured around five evocative thematic sections—Celebrity, Fashion, Desire, Reportage, and Affirmation of Identity—capturing the essence of a collection built over three decades with a discerning eye for both technical mastery and raw human emotion.
Curatorially, the show explores the duality of the human condition, balancing the polished artifice of high fashion with the vulnerable reality of the individual. Visitors encounter iconic works by masters of the lens such as Robert Mapplethorpe, Irving Penn, and Richard Avedon, whose contributions have defined the visual language of the 20th century. A central pillar of the exhibition is the monumental installation of 149 prints from Nan Goldin’s Thanksgiving series, a searingly intimate portrayal of life, loss, and community that anchors the collection's emotional depth. By juxtaposing these visceral images with the staged elegance of Herb Ritts or the surreal provocations of Diane Arbus, the exhibition highlights a unique dialogue between public persona and private fragility.
The historical significance of this collection lies in its documentation of pivotal moments and movements, from the civil rights era to the height of the AIDS crisis, seen through the work of photographers like William Klein and Ai Weiwei. The inclusion of photojournalism alongside fine art photography challenges the viewer to witness the world's transformations while acknowledging the subjectivity of the collector's gaze. This gathering of global talent, featuring artists like Zanele Muholi and Ryan McGinley, underscores a commitment to diversity and identity, showcasing how the photographic medium has evolved to give voice to the marginalized and the revolutionary.
Ultimately, Fragile Beauty is a testament to the transformative power of the image. The emotional resonance of the exhibition is found in its ability to freeze fleeting moments of strength and vulnerability, inviting introspection on the nature of fame, the intimacy of the body, and the resilience of the spirit. As these images move from the private halls of a personal collection to the public space of the Jeu de Paume, they invite us to see the world not just as it is, but as it is felt—a poetic fusion of artistic vision and lived experience that lingers long after the viewer leaves the gallery.
Highlights
- View a remarkable collection of photographs personally selected by Sir Elton John and David Furnish from their private archives.
- Experience over 30 years of photographic history through a diverse array of images capturing the essence of the human condition.
- Discover a powerful narrative that explores the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability in various artistic subjects.
- Witness a stunning selection of works that highlight the evolution of modern and contemporary photography through a prestigious lens.
- Explore an intimate portrayal of humanity as seen through the eyes of two of the world's most prominent art collectors.
- Engage with the raw emotion and technical mastery displayed in this exclusive exhibition at the Jeu de Paume.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fragile Beauty
Yes, access to temporary exhibitions like 'Fragile Beauty' is included in the standard admission ticket to the Jeu de Paume.
A typical visit to 'Fragile Beauty' takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes to fully appreciate the extensive collection.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted without flash, provided it does not interfere with the experience of other visitors.
Yes, the Jeu de Paume is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with ramps and elevators providing access to all exhibition spaces.
The exhibition features over 300 rare photographs from the private collection of Sir Elton John and David Furnish, exploring the strength and vulnerability of the human condition.
While walk-ins are possible, it is highly recommended to book your ticket online in advance to guarantee entry, especially during weekends and peak hours.
Jeu de Paume
- Paris
Located in the heart of the Tuileries Garden, Jeu de Paume is a premier Parisian cultural hub showcasing cutting-edge photography and contemporary image-based exhibitions. This historic venue highlights works by legendary artists and emerging talents, offering a sophisticated look at 20th and 21st-century visual arts.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The Jeu de Paume is open on Tuesdays from 11 am to 9 pm and from Wednesday to Sunday between 11 am and 7 pm.
- The museum remains closed every Monday and on major public holidays such as January 1st and May 1st.
- Visitors should note that the last entry is permitted until 30 minutes before closing time.
- On December 24th and 31st, the venue typically has an exceptional early closure at 5 pm.
Special Days
The venue is closed on January 1st, May 1st, July 14th, and December 25th.
Special closures occur at 5:00 PM on December 24th and December 31st.
Admission is free for students and those under 25 on the last Tuesday of the month.
How to get there
The Jeu de Paume is a sophisticated sanctuary for contemporary photography elegantly perched in the northwest corner of the Tuileries Garden, overlooking the historic Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement. Its central location makes it exceptionally accessible, nestled between the Seine's right bank and the bustling Rue de Rivoli.
- Metro: Lines 1, 8, and 12 to Concorde (Exit 1: Jeu de Paume), or Line 1 to Tuileries.
- Bus: Lines 42, 45, 72, 73, 84, and 94 to the Concorde stop.
- RER: Line C to Musée d'Orsay, followed by a scenic 12-minute walk across the Seine via the Pont Royal or Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor.
- Walking: A flat, picturesque stroll from the Louvre through the Tuileries Garden or along the river quays.
- Cycling: Use the Seine-side bike lanes and dock at the Vélib' station on Rue Cambon or Rue de Rivoli.
Directions
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