Photo : Jean-Claude Deutsch / Paris Match
Exhibition "Behind the Scenes at SACEM"
The melodies that defined our lives are coming to life in a stunning open-air gallery right by the City Hall. This collection pairs rare music archives with legendary portraits, capturing the true spirit of the artists who shaped the rhythm of the streets. It is the perfect chance to stroll past musical royalty, from jazz pioneers to modern chart-toppers.
About
To mark its 175th anniversary, the Sacem presents the free open-air exhibition Dans les coulisses de la SACEM on the railings of the Paris Hôtel de Ville. From October 1, 2026, to December 1, 2026, visitors can explore a unique display combining historical archives, such as original music scores and declaration records, with iconic photographs from the Paris Match collection. This visual journey highlights the songwriters and composers who have defined the city's musical landscape. Accessible to all in the heart of Paris, the exhibition offers an intimate look at the creative forces and institutions that have shaped the soundtrack of the French capital over time.
On the occasion of its 175th anniversary, Sacem is partnering with Paris Match to take over the railings of the Paris Hôtel de Ville with an exhibition that celebrates musical creation in all its forms. Echoing Sacem's historical archives – scores, declaration forms, stamp sheets – portraits from the Paris Match photographic collection tell the story of the driving force of the authors, composers, and songwriters who have shaped the soundtrack of Paris.
With "Behind the Scenes of Creation," the City of Paris and Sacem offer a visual journey punctuated by figures whose resonance with the capital is deep: Rita Mitsouko, MC Solaar, Michel Legrand, Dalida, Françoise Hardy, David Guetta, Django Reinhardt, Manu Dibango, Aya Nakamura, Rachid Taha and of course Edith Piaf. Together, these documents and faces compose a living narrative: that of an institution at the service of creation and a city that has never ceased to inspire artists.
Score "Mourir sur scène" ; Credits : Author : Michel Jouveaux Composer : Jeff Barnel Publishers : EMI Songs France / Tabata Music Sacem ArchiveOur take on this event
The exhibition, held in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Sacem, transforms the railings of the Hôtel de Ville into an open-air gallery. Running from October 1, 2026, until December 1, 2026, this event provides a rare glimpse into the institution's historical archives, featuring authentic scores and documentation related to the music industry.
Complementing these administrative records is a curated selection of photographs from the Paris Match archives. These images celebrate legendary figures deeply linked to the city, including Edith Piaf, Django Reinhardt, Michel Legrand, Dalida, Françoise Hardy, MC Solaar, Les Rita Mitsouko, Aya Nakamura, Manu Dibango, David Guetta, and Rachid Taha. The exhibition is free of charge and serves as a tribute to the synergy between the city's culture and the artists it inspires.
Visitors are invited to walk through this chronological narrative, discovering both the technical side of copyright protection and the human stories behind the music. From the detailed notation of the score Mourir sur scène to the intimate portraits of performers, the exhibition illustrates the enduring commitment of the Sacem to supporting creativity across all musical genres.
