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 unfolding 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, images and ideas. Continuing the gallery’s tradition of bringing together diverse artistic perspectives, the exhibition invites visitors into a world where photography becomes a collection of emotions.

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 talent, offering a platform for artists whose work explores identity, place, and belonging.

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, sculptor and close friend of many of the leading artists of the 20th century, 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.

Hidden behind the elegant façade of a 17th-century mansion in the heart of Arles, Galerie Huit is one of the city’s most distinctive cultural addresses, a place where heritage, photography and contemporary creativity exist in constant dialogue. 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, artistic encounters and creative exchange.

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 exhibition rooms, private salons and artist residences, creating an atmosphere where art feels woven into everyday life. As Julia de Bierre’s vision has developed, the house has become both a gallery and a place of inspiration, welcoming artists, writers, photographers, collectors and curious travellers. Artists live and work within the historic walls of the mansion, benefiting from a peaceful environment designed for experimentation, reflection and production.

The gallery has earned a reputation for its thoughtful selection of both established and emerging artists, as well as the quality and originality of its exhibitions and installations. Its programme has included independent exhibitions and collaborations with 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. The gallery’s programme reflects a fascination with human stories and the emotional power of portraiture.

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!

Julia de Bierre’s own journey has shaped the gallery’s unique character. A writer, gallerist and heritage activist, she brings together a lifelong passion for art, architecture and preservation. Before creating Galerie Huit, she spent years restoring and animating one of Switzerland’s most prestigious medieval castles, using the historic setting as a place for workshops and artistic gatherings. Today, her work continues to connect two UNESCO World Heritage sites close to her heart: Arles in Provence and George Town in Penang, Malaysia.

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.