Photo : Collège de France
Foucault, an intellectual adventure at the Collège de France
From September 30, 2026 to January 15, 2027, the exhibition "Foucault, an intellectual adventure at the Collège de France" explores the trajectory of Michel Foucault (1926-1984) in the institution where he taught from 1970 to 1984. On the centenary of his birth, unpublished manuscripts, archives, and audio and video testimonies outline the movement of a thought that remains deeply relevant today.
Collège de France (Paris 5th)
About
On April 12, 1970, philosopher Michel Foucault, author as celebrated as he was debated for Madness and Civilization and The Order of Things, was elected to the Collège de France to the chair of History of Systems of Thought. This election was far from obvious for a researcher who initially taught psychology but refused disciplinary allegiances, and whose career path was already marked by brilliance and strong political commitments. It inaugurated an intellectual adventure of nearly fourteen years, the resonances of which are still heard today, as evidenced by the fecundity of the concepts of “governmentality,” “biopolitics,” “pastoral power,” or “regime of truth.”
His lectures at the Collège de France were much more than a draft of his written work. They allowed him to explore new fields and test new hypotheses. Their influence began very early with public success and the free circulation of recordings and typescripts. It quickly crossed the borders of France, thanks to the presence of an international audience and the philosopher’s numerous stays abroad, notably in the United States, Brazil, and Japan. The posthumous publication of the courses, and their subsequent translations around the world, made them a body of work in its own right, as read and cited as the books published during his lifetime. They thus ensured his thought a second unexpected life, as they renewed the perception of its stakes and illuminated his method.
The hundred or so items on display—unpublished manuscripts, personal objects, audio and video archives—trace a dazzling international trajectory cut short too soon, leaving behind a considerable scientific production. The exhibition allows for shedding light on the coherence and durability of a thought in constant evolution that refused to be pigeonholed. It restores this adventure within a network of friendships and peers at the Collège de France, but also of strategies and battles outside its walls that remind us that knowledge is also a matter of power.
An exhibition organized by the Collège de France in partnership with the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
Our take on this event
Step inside the brilliant mind of France’s most provocative philosopher through an exclusive exhibition of his personal papers and unseen archives. You will uncover how his radical lectures on power and society transformed global thought, presented through an intimate collection that bridges the gap between academic research and political engagement. It is a must-see for anyone curious about the legacy of a thinker who spent his life challenging everything we take for granted.
The Collège de France hosts a major exhibition dedicated to the intellectual journey of philosopher Michel Foucault, following his 1970 election to the History of Systems of Thought chair. This event showcases fourteen years of pioneering research through a unique collection of unpublished manuscripts, personal artifacts, and rare audio-visual archives. In partnership with the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the exhibition explores how his concepts, such as biopolitics and governmentality, gained global influence. Located in the 5th arrondissement, the exhibition is free for all visitors. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone exploring this profound legacy.
From his 1970 election until his later years, Michel Foucault challenged traditional academic boundaries. This exhibition examines the creative process behind his famous lectures, which became hubs for international debate. Visitors can trace how his ideas traveled from Paris to countries like Japan, Brazil, and the United States, cementing his global reputation.
Featuring approximately one hundred items, the display presents a mix of original manuscripts, personal objects, and archival sound recordings. These pieces illustrate the evolution of his thought and his commitment to defying intellectual constraints. The exhibition also highlights the professional and personal networks that supported his work within the Collège de France and beyond.
The exhibition is located at the Collège de France, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris. It is open to the public from Monday to Friday, between 09:00 and 18:00. You may visit any day from October 5, 2026, until January 15, 2027. Entrance is free of charge.
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