Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Collection of Sir Elton John and David Furnish
June 12 to September 27, 2026 at Jeu de Paume, Paris
Celebrating more than 30 years of collection, Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Collection of Sir Elton John and David Furnish pays tribute to the passion of Sir Elton John and David Furnish for photography reflecting both their personal taste and unique look as collectors. Selected from their collection of more than 7000 images, the photographs presented are iconic images that explore the connection between the force and vulnerability inherent in the human condition.
Recounting a history of modern and contemporary photography, the exhibition will bring together an exceptional selection of the world’s most important photographers with works dating back to the present day from 1950. Adapted from the exhibition presented at the Victoria and Albert Museum between May 2024 and January 2025, the course will explore, through five thematic sections, topics such as desire, fashion, celebrities and photojournalism. Artists featured include Robert Mapplethorpe, Harley Weir, Irving Penn, Diane Arbus, Ai Weiwei, Herbert List, and many others, as well as a monumental installation of 149 Nan Goldin prints from his Thanksgiving series.
Commissioners: Duncan Forbes, Newell Harbin and Lydia Caston. Exhibition produced by the Victoria and Albert Museum.