The Venue and Its Spaces
Located in the heart of Vieux-Lille, at 9 and 11 Rue de Thionville, the buildings that hosted our pilot programs between 2019 and 2023 —and will house our activities once their renovation is complete— are currently closed to the public.
During this period, all of our exhibitions and events are taking place exclusively off-site, in collaboration with partner organizations. Our administrative offices have moved to the neighboring building, at No.7.
We invite you to visit our agenda page to find all the information related to our activities.
Page content
Historical Context
Built in the first half of the 19th century, the townhouses at 9 and 11 Rue de Thionville were originally occupied by the nobility of Lille.
They then became training and educational centers starting in the 1920s: a girls' school, a vocational high school, and later an Information and Guidance Center (CIO).
A Necessary Renovation
Renovations to these buildings are now essential so that we can carry out all of our missions, welcome public in optimal visiting conditions, and keep the photographers’ archival collections, as well as the library’s books, all in one place.
We are currently working with the Region —as the project owner— to develop a shared vision for adapting the project to today’s challenges through eco-friendly design, a frugal approach to construction, improved accessibility, and greater openness to the public.
The Outlook
Renovated, modernized, and restored, the Institut pour la photographie is set to become a vibrant hub dedicated to photography, designed for visitors and neighborhood residents alike, and will bring a lively atmosphere to everyday life on Rue de Thionville.
It will feature exhibition spaces, as well as a garden, a library, a bookstore and gift shop, a café, and open-access workshops, etc.
