Newsletter 
In 2026, we all take pictures every day without thinking it: a swipe, a tap, and a moment is sealed into memory. Two hundred years earlier, in 1826, the French inventor Nicéphore Niépce made the first photograph in history — his famous View from the Window at Le Gras — after years of patient experimentation and delicate chemistry.
For the Night of Science 2026, we invite you to slow down and rediscover photography as both a science and an art.
Throughout the evening, you will learn how this first photograph — a quiet, seemingly unremarkable view — reveals the changing world of Niépce’s time. You’ll laso explore the dawn of photographic art in Finland, discover contemporary photography based on historic and camera-less techniques, and even have a taste of the process yourself. Share your own “View from the Window”and experience instant, hands-on image-making.
PROGRAM
- Documentary: “Objectif Niépce”, Constance Production (director: Christophe Henry)
- Historical analysis of View from the Window at Le Gras, Dr. Jan Middelbos, University of Rennes 2
- The dawn of photographic art in Finland, Max Fritze, The Finnish Museum of Photography
- Contemporary photography based on ancient techniques, Jérémy Barrois, artistic photographer
- The heliographic garden: photograms, chemigrams and other camera-less light-sensitive techniques, Dr. Tuula Närhinen, Uniarts Helsinki
- Pop-up exhibition View from my Window, participatory exhibition
- Stroll around the French Institute, direct exchange with speakers about photographic artworks or hands-on image-making
The detailed program can be found HERE.
IT IS YOUR TURN! POP-UP EXHIBITION VIEW FROM MY WINDOW
In addition to fascinating presentations, the evening features a participatory exhibition View from my Window to honor Nicéphore Niépce and the first photograph in history, View from the windows at le Gras.
The challenge? Send us a photo taken from the window of your home. What does the world look like from your window? We are seeking photographs that capture our time, be it striking light, urban architecture, or fleeting moments of daily life. The window frame should act as your canvas, echoing Niépce’s historic perspective.
How to participate: submit your work by 20 January 2026 at science@france.fi (JPG or PNG, high resolution, with full credits). The most striking images will be displayed at the Institute during our special event.
Capture the light. Be part of history. Start shooting!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The event will be held in French and in English: presentations in French are subtitled in English and vice-versa.
The French Institute is accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, please note that the ramp leading to the door has a steep incline and requires assistance from a companion for wheelchair users. The toilets are not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Admission is free upon registration via the link below.