To gain further insight into the history of the fight for abolition and the figures who led it, two exhibitions are currently on display in Paris, offering visitors the chance to discover the places and people who have made their contribution to the abolitionist movement throughout the years.
Together, these exhibitions tell a story of courage, perseverance and collective commitment.
They can be seen on the streets of Paris until 15 July 2026!
The Faces of Abolition: historical and contemporary portraits who made their contribution to the abolitionist movement
On display at the Hôtel de Ville, with the support of the Ville de Paris, the exhibition “The Faces of Abolition” highlights those who embodied the abolitionist movement. Through a series of historical and contemporary portraits, it presents the stories of key figures who supported this cause: artists, activists, lawyers and former death row prisoners.
Exhibition of the Faces of Abolition at the Hôtel de Ville of Paris – © Photo : Christophe Meireis
Exhibition of the Faces of Abolition at the Hôtel de Ville of Paris – © Photo : Christophe Meireis
Exhibition of the Faces of Abolition at the Hôtel de Ville of Paris – © Photo : Christophe Meireis
The places of Abolition: a historical and audio tour in Paris
Simultaneously, also with the support of the Ville de Paris, the exhibition “The Places of Abolition” takes visitors on a journey through the city, along the streets and across the iconic places that symbolise the fight for abolition, from the Place de la Concorde to the Prison de la Santé, via the Panthéon. Alongside the podcast “Abolition!”, an initiative by ECPM and produced by Nuit Noires, visitors can discover and understand the history of abolition in France and the impact of its key public figures.
This narrative continues to unfold today, and many of the issues explored in these exhibitions will be at the heart of the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, organised by ECPM from 30 June to 2 July 2026, sponsored by France (the host country), and co-sponsored by the European Union and Switzerland. Politicians, lawyers, activists, researchers and former death row prisoners will gather there to assess the current state of the abolitionist movement and reflect on future progress.
You can also take part in the Congress (free and open to all) by registering via the official Congress app: App Store – Play Store – Web app