Instants des Jeux
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Updated on 21/08/2024
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Eight iconic photos by Raymond Depardon, eight photos of young French athletes by Simon Depardon, sixteen exceptional locations.
Since its invention, photography has always been intimately linked with the capital of Paris. An immense source of inspiration for photographers of all generations, Paris pays tribute to them in turn, by showcasing Raymond Depardon's legendary shots taken during the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Mexico City, Munich and Montreal, between 1964 and 1976.
These photographs are presented on giant prints (between 200 and 1,000 square meters) in the streets of Paris and around the Olympic venues, forming the largest monumental open-air photographic trail ever created in the public space.
On each "canvas", a film with Raymond Depardon directed by Simon Depardon, giving the context of the shoot, can be accessed via a QR code.
In the spirit of an Olympic relay, these black-and-white silver photos are complemented by a series of previously unpublished portraits of young French team athletes, champions in their respective disciplines, photographed by Simon Depardon.
This exceptional trail is organized by L'Art dans la Ville and supported by the City of Paris and Samsung, official partners of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Tokyo 1964: Raymond Depardon, the first Games
French photographer Raymond Depardon at 22 in the foreign press gallery.
I'm discovering the Olympic Games. It's my first time in the stadium, in track and field.
Directed by Simon Depardon. All rights reserved © Simon Depardon SAS 2024
Mexico 1968: the standing stadium
Olympic Stadium. 3,000-meter steeplechase.
It's not just the first, the winner. There's the second and also the last. And the Mexicans have understood this…
Directed by Simon Depardon. All rights reserved © Simon Depardon SAS 2024
Mexico 1968: Lee Evans, the raised fist
American athletes demonstrate against racial discrimination in the United States by clenching their fists, like Lee Evans, winner of the 400-meter race in 43.86s.
This gesture, this raised fist, it's… magnificent. […] This photo will go down in history.
Directed by Simon Depardon. All rights reserved © Simon Depardon SAS 2024
Mexico 1968: Ralph Boston and Bob Beamon, long jump
Despite the storm, American athlete Ralph Boston is attempting to beat the record just set by his compatriot Bob Beamon at 8.90 m. Boston was the previous record-holder.
Bob Beamon broke an all-time record, blessed by the gods.
Directed by Simon Depardon. All rights reserved © Simon Depardon SAS 2024
Montréal, 1976: Nadia Comăneci, the revelation
Montreal, 1976. Nadia Comăneci, Romanian gymnast, gold medalist in the all-round gymnastics competition.
It's a very important photo for me. I was the first to "do" Nadia Comăneci.
Directed by Simon Depardon. All rights reserved © Simon Depardon SAS 2024
Munich, 1972: Mark Spitz, the mourning Games
American swimmer Mark Spitz won seven gold medals in Munich. The Olympic Games were overshadowed by the tragic hostage-taking of eleven Israeli athletes.
Mark Spitz broke all records, a magnificent athlete.
Directed by Simon Depardon. All rights reserved © Simon Depardon SAS 2024
Mexico 1968: Dick Fosbury, high jump
Mexico City. Mexico City. Olympic Games. High jump competition: American athlete Dick Fosbury invents the "Fosbury-flop" and beats Valeriy Brumel's record. 1968.
All of a sudden, a guy came along who was jumping backwards. He invented a new way of jumping, and that's no mean feat!
Directed by Simon Depardon. All rights reserved © Simon Depardon SAS 2024
Munich 1972: Julius Sang, after the line
Kenyan runner Julius Sang wins gold. France takes bronze.
This photo shows that it's not the moment of arrival that's important, it can be afterwards.
Directed by Simon Depardon. All rights reserved © Simon Depardon SAS 2024
For youngsters: a treasure hunt through the town!
The Musée en Herbe is joining forces with "Instants de jeux" to offer a treasure hunt that you can download free of charge below.
>> Download the treasure hunt (PDF format)
Art workshops for children accompany the discovery of these mythical photographs.
>> Find out more
>> Download the treasure hunt (PDF format)
Art workshops for children accompany the discovery of these mythical photographs.
>> Find out more
Paris celebrates the games
In the spring of 2024, Paris will celebrate the Games with an exceptional and abundant cultural program for everyone, which the City of Paris has entrusted to internationally renowned artists such as Mohamed El Khatib, Benjamin Millepied and Raymond Depardon.
Credit
Mairie de Paris