Each summer, as Arles becomes the international meeting point for photography, Galerie Huit presents a rich programme of exhibitions bringing together historic figures, contemporary voices and experimental approaches to the image.

For 2026, the gallery’s programme, Invitation autour de la Photographie, explores photography as a medium of memory, storytelling and human connection, with exhibitions featured throughout the historic hotel particulier from July to October.

The season opens with Wunderkammer VII (6 July – 4 October 2026), the latest chapter of Galerie Huit’s ongoing exploration of the “cabinet of curiosities”, a celebration of unexpected encounters, visual discoveries and the poetic relationship between objects and ideas.

A highlight of the programme is OpenWalls Spotlight: Homecoming (6 July – 6 September), presented in collaboration with the British Journal of Photography and WePresent by WeTransfer. The exhibition continues Galerie Huit’s commitment to discovering and supporting contemporary photographic talents. Carline Bourdelas: Au fil des pages, des images (6 July – 6 September), curated by Laura Serani in partnership with we are_, reflects on photography as a form of memory.

The programme also pays tribute to photographic history with Michel Sima: Sima et ses amis (6 July – 4 October), presented in collaboration with Boogie Woogie Photography and curated by Fabienne Martin. Photographer, and sculptor Michel Sima captured extraordinary portraits of the artistic circles around him, including figures such as Picasso, Giacometti and Cocteau. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the creative worlds and friendships that shaped modern art.

Founded in 2007 by writer, curator and heritage activist Julia de Bierre, the gallery has brilliantly transformed a historic private residence into a living space for exhibitions. More than a traditional gallery, Galerie Huit is an intimate cultural destination. Set within a beautifully restored mansion in Arles’ UNESCO World Heritage centre, the space combines private salons and artist residences, creating an atmosphere where art feels woven into everyday life. Artists can stay and work within the historic walls of the mansion, benefiting from a peaceful environment designed for experimentation. Its programme has included independent exhibitions and collaborations with further major cultural partners, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Factum Arte Madrid, and other international institutions. During the Rencontres d’Arles, the city’s renowned annual photography festival, the gallery has become a destination for discovering compelling photographic voices.

This spirit of hospitality extends to visitors. Galerie Huit offers private art stays and creative experiences for travellers seeking a deeper connection with Arles, allowing guests to experience the city not only through its monuments and museums, but through conversations with artists, exhibitions and the daily rhythm of a historic artistic home. The room is simply stunning!

Beyond exhibitions, Galerie Huit reflects a broader philosophy: that art thrives through exchange and community. The gallery’s universe has been described as “intriguing and diverse”, celebrating the meeting point between cultural heritage and contemporary creativity.

Its commitment also extends to sustainability. Julia de Bierre has worked to reduce the environmental impact of exhibitions by limiting transport, reducing packaging and recycling frames, reflecting a more conscious approach to the presentation of art.

In a city celebrated for its Roman heritage, Van Gogh’s legacy and its thriving artistic community, Galerie Huit has created its own chapter, a discreet yet influential meeting place where the past is preserved, the present is celebrated and the future of art continues to gather, every Summer for one the most important festivals.