The Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Jeu de Paume
The 2026 Friends of the Jeu de Paume Dinner was held on Monday, February 16th, at the Jeu de Paume, amidst the exhibitions “Martin Parr, Global Warning” and “Jo Ractliffe, Out of place”. The event was hosted by Quentin Bajac, Director of the Jeu de Paume, and Solange Salem-Rein, President of the Friends of the Jeu de Paume Association.
During the cocktail reception, several speeches paid moving tribute to Martin Parr, who passed away on December 6th, 2025. His friends François Hébel and Harry Gruyaert fondly recalled the many facets of the artist’s work and personality, who leaves behind an exceptional legacy for all photography lovers.
This joyful evening, which marked the start of the season, brought together more than 200 prominent figures from the art world. Among them were collectors, gallery owners, artists, museum directors, professionals, patrons of the Jeu de Paume, and many others. We met Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, Maja Hoffmann, Xavier Rey, Chris Dercon, Valérie Belin, Sarah Andelman, Martin Solveig, Antoine de Galbert, Clémentine de la Féronnière, Florence Bourgeois, Christopher Miles, Christoph Wiesner, Emma Lavigne, and Caroline Bourgeois. Fabien Joly transformed the Jeu de Paume spaces with a colorful floral display that resonated with the worlds of Martin Parr and Jo Ratcliffe. It was a celebration of colors, materials, and shapes!
The proceeds will support the exhibition “A Photographic History of Emotions,” scheduled to open at the Jeu de Paume on February 2nd, 2027. This event has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Jeu de Paume’s patrons, Maison Chanel, the Roederer Foundation, and the Friends of the Jeu de Paume Joseph Zimbaldi and Louis Nègre.
Photo: Michael Huard
