About the Exhibition
This exhibition presented the remarkable work of the late Swiss photographer, Fred Boissonnas (1858–1946), on Egypt.
The Geneva-born photographer undertook an extensive photographic mission across Egypt, commissioned by King Fuad I, to produce the monumental book L’Égypte. The book was published in 1932 and inaugurated with great ceremony by the Egyptian government in 1933 with an exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society in Cairo.
While Boissonnas’s legacy may be lesser known in Egypt, the 4,000 photographs from this mission are now preserved at the Bibliothèque de Genève.
This exhibition offered the public an opportunity to discover a glimpse of this exceptional photographic heritage, marked by artistic depth, documentary richness, and an inclusive vision of Egypt across its landscapes, historical periods, and social strata.
The exhibition was curated by Estelle Sohier, professor at the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Geneva, and Céline Burnand, visual artist and independent researcher living in Cairo.
Exhibition partners
This exhibition was supported and initiated by the Embassy of Switzerland as part of the series of events to celebrate the 90-years anniversary of the Friendship Treaty between Egypt and Switzerland. It was being held in partnership and within the framework of Cairo Photo Week. It was created in collaboration with the Library of Geneva Library of Geneva (Bibliothèque de Genève), which owns the Boissonnas photo collection, and the University of Geneva. The Goethe-Institut in Cairo generously offered the venue.
Opening night
On 8 May, the Embassy organized the opening of the exhibition. Among the over 80 guests was Prince Mohamed Ali Farouk, the great-grandson of King Fuad I who had commissioned Boissonnas' work back in 1929. The opening night was also attended by several local and Swiss journalists.
Cairo Photo Week
Cairo Photo Week is Egypt's only photography festival, organized by Photopia, a Cairo-based photography hub. The festival aims to provide an educational experience for both professionals and the general public, featuring a diverse program of exhibitions, workshops, talks, and networking opportunities. The 2025 edition, which was held from May 8 to 18 in Downtown Cairo, carries the theme "Finding the View" and includes over 100 activities across 14 venues, showcasing work from local and international photographers and institutions.