Photo : Pascal Maitre
Université Paris Cité unveils the exhibition "The Color of Our Professions" through the lens of photographer Pascal Maitre
Starting September 14, 2026, the Grand Hall and the gates of the Odéon site (Paris 6th) will host the photography exhibition "The Color of Our Professions," signed by renowned photojournalist Pascal Maitre.
Université Paris Cité (Paris 6th)
About
An immersion into the richness of the university community
With its 71,736 students, Université Paris Cité is a true "city within a city," driven by 2,794 administrative, scientific, and technical staff, as well as 4,838 academic personnel: professors, researchers, and lecturers. Through 265 identified professions, the exhibition reflects the plurality of this ecosystem: from administrative management and pedagogical support to research assistance. Pascal Maitre’s lens immortalizes unique and sometimes unknown expertise: from the glassblower to the cardiac surgeon, and from the sound engineer to the instructor of adapted physical activity. The result of eight months of immersion, this project comes six years after the creation of Université Paris Cité and highlights the diversity and dynamism of the community formed by the professionals who bring it to life every day.
Pascal Maitre’s perspective: The art of photojournalism
A reporter-photographer for over 45 years, Pascal Maitre began his career in 1979 at Jeune Afrique before collaborating with prestigious agencies (Gamma, Cosmos) and major French and international media (L’Express, Le Figaro Magazine, Stern, National Geographic…). A specialist on the African continent and familiar with many regions of the world, from the Middle East to Siberia, he has this time swapped distant expeditions for a dive into the heart of the university. For eight months, he paced the campuses of Université Paris Cité to meet the staff and capture the reality of their daily lives. Renowned for the narrative power of his shots, Pascal Maitre offers a unique perspective on this ecosystem, revealing the richness and plurality of its expertise.
Our take on this event
Forget the classic classroom setting and step into a vibrant microcosm captured by a world-renowned photojournalist. This exhibition showcases the hidden talents and surprising expertise of the thousands of people who keep one of Paris's largest academic institutions alive every day.
Université Paris Cité presents The Colour of Our Professions, an exhibition showcasing the diverse community behind this academic hub. Through the lens of photographer Pascal Maitre, visitors explore the 265 different roles that keep the university running, from administrative staff to scientific researchers. This immersive project, captured over an eight-month period, highlights the hidden expertise of individuals ranging from glassblowers to cardiac surgeons. This exhibition is free to attend and runs from 15 September 2026 to 26 February 2027 at the Université Paris Cité, located on Rue de l’École de Médecine in Paris' 6th arrondissement.
The Colour of Our Professions offers an intimate look at the multifaceted ecosystem of Université Paris Cité. Renowned photojournalist Pascal Maitre, known for his long-standing career with international media, has turned his focus from global expeditions to the university campus. Over eight months, he documented the daily realities of the staff and faculty, shedding light on the 265 unique trades that sustain the institution six years after its founding.
From pedagogical support to specialized research roles, the exhibition captures the dynamic nature of those working within this city-within-a-city. Visitors can view these powerful portraits for free between 15 September 2026 and 26 February 2027. The installation is hosted at the Université Paris Cité, 12 rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006 Paris.
