Brion Gysin
- Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, Paris
10 Apr - 12 Jul 2026
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Recommended
From
€17.00
The Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, in collaboration with Tate Britain and the Art Institute of Chicago, presents a landmark retrospective dedicated to Lee Miller, one of the most transformative figures in 20th-century photography. Spanning her prolific career from the late 1920s to the 1960s, the exhibition features approximately 250 vintage and modern prints, many of which have never before been seen by the public. This major showcase seeks to recontextualize Miller not merely as a muse or an assistant, but as a sovereign artist of immense intellectual agency and technical innovation. By organizing her work into six distinct sections, the curation explores her evolution from a sought-after Vogue model in New York to a pioneering force in the Parisian avant-garde, and ultimately, a fearless witness to the horrors of global conflict.
The heart of the exhibition delves into Miller’s pivotal Parisian years (1929–1932), characterized by her intense collaboration with Man Ray. Together, they mastered the technique of solarization, a discovery that became a hallmark of Surrealist photography by blending the rational with the dreamlike. Visitors can observe how Miller applied this uncanny sensibility to everyday Parisian life, transforming mundane street scenes into metaphysical inquiries. Her ability to navigate diverse social and artistic circles is highlighted through intimate portraits of contemporaries such as Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and Leonora Carrington, illustrating her role as a vital catalyst within the international Surrealist network.
The historical significance of the retrospective reaches its zenith with Miller’s work as an accredited war correspondent during the Second World War. Moving beyond traditional fashion editorials for British Vogue, Miller captured the devastating reality of the London Blitz and followed the Allied advance across Europe. The emotional resonance of these images is profound, particularly the unflinching documentation of the liberation of Buchenwald and Dachau. One of the most striking masterpieces on display is the iconic photograph of Miller in Adolf Hitler's bathtub, taken on the very day of the dictator's suicide. This radical performative gesture serves as a powerful indictment of the era, collapsing personal endurance and historical witness into a single, haunting frame.
Ultimately, the exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris restores Lee Miller to her rightful place as a pioneering voice who defied categorization. Whether capturing the surreal geometries of the Egyptian desert in her celebrated Portrait of Space or documenting the gritty resilience of post-war life, Miller’s work is defined by a consistent visual boldness and a fierce commitment to truth. This retrospective offers a fresh perspective on a woman who spent her life "getting out on a damn limb and sawing it off behind her," providing a comprehensive look at an artist whose legacy continues to challenge and inspire the contemporary gaze.
Highlights
- Explore over 250 rare prints tracing the radical career of Lee Miller from surrealist muse to pioneering war correspondent.
- Witness the mastery of the solarization technique, a darkroom process famously rediscovered by Miller and Man Ray.
- Admire the iconic 1937 photograph Portrait of Space, which captures the surreal beauty of the Egyptian desert through a torn screen.
- Discover Miller’s uncompromising gaze in her World War II photography, including haunting images of the London Blitz and the liberation of Paris.
- See intimate surrealist portraits of legendary artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and Max Ernst.
- View the provocative and symbolic image of Miller in Adolf Hitler’s bathtub, taken on the day of his death in Munich.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lee Miller
Access to temporary exhibitions like 'Lee Miller' typically requires a specific ticket, though it may also grant access to the permanent collections of the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris.
We recommend allowing approximately 60 to 90 minutes to fully explore the 250 rare prints and thematic galleries dedicated to Lee Miller's career.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted without flash or tripods, though certain works may be subject to specific copyright restrictions.
While the exhibition is open to all, parents should be aware that it includes Lee Miller's work as a war correspondent, which contains graphic and challenging historical imagery.
Yes, the museum often organizes guided tours and provides digital resources to help visitors navigate the complex evolution of Miller's artistic and journalistic work.
Yes, the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris is fully accessible, with elevators and ramps providing easy access to all temporary exhibition spaces.
Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris
- Paris
Experience over 15,000 modern and contemporary masterpieces from the 20th and 21st centuries at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, featuring monumental works by Matisse and Picasso. This essential cultural destination in the Palais de Tokyo offers a dynamic program of world-class exhibitions and events showcasing the evolution of artistic thought.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
- The ticket office and last entry are at 5:15 PM.
- On Thursdays, temporary exhibitions offer late-night access until 9:30 PM.
- The venue remains closed every Monday and on certain public holidays.
Special Days
The museum is closed on Mondays as well as on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.
Access to the permanent collections is free of charge for all visitors without the need for prior reservation.
On Thursday evenings, the museum offers late-night opening until 9:30 PM specifically for temporary exhibitions.
How to get there
The Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris is elegantly situated in the 16th arrondissement, housed within the eastern wing of the Palais de Tokyo and overlooking the Seine with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Its central location between the Trocadéro and the Champs-Élysées ensures it is exceptionally well-connected by the city's extensive transit network.
- Metro: Line 9 to Iéna or Alma-Marceau.
- RER: Line C to Pont de l'Alma, located just across the river.
- Bus: Lines 32, 42, 63, 72, 80, and 92 to stations Iéna or Alma-Marceau.
- Vélib': Self-service bicycle stations are available nearby at 4 rue de Longchamp, 1 rue Bassano, and 2 avenue Marceau.
Directions
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