Read all about it! Choosing Peace: Albert Kahn’s fight

Borders are moving!

After the 1870 war, Alsace and Lorraine became part of Germany: their inhabitants changed countries without moving. They had a choice to make: stay and become German; leave to remain French. 

Albert Kahn’s family stayed, but he left for Paris in 1876, setting out on the long path to becoming French once again. 

Can you see his reinstatement application? 

Special announcement!

Albert Kahn is looking for “operators”: photographers and camera operators tasked with capturing images of the world. 

Your training: learn to use a view camera and a film camera. 

Your assignment: travel the world to bring back images of different countries’ traditions before they disappear, based on instructions given by the geographer Jean Bruhnes. 

Your purpose: contribute to the image collection known as the ‘Archives of the Planet’.  

Contribute to Albert Kahn’s project for peace: a better understanding of cultures for a better life together! 

Reims has been destroyed!

The city was relentlessly bombarded during the war of 1914-1918. By the end of the war, seven out of ten buildings had been destroyed or damaged beyond repair. The operators showed life in the debris and wartime events. These images served as “propaganda”: scenes were chosen to influence opinion and depict the enemy as cruel. 

In the pictures of the city in ruins, can you see its residents? What are they doing?  

One year after the war, one of Albert Kahn’s operators films devastated regions in northeastern France from an airship.  

The film is a way to take stock; to see the damages and comprehend the rebuilding efforts needed. Seen from the sky, the landscapes show the conflict’s violence... and the importance of preserving peace. 

In this film, can you make out the houses?  

Never again!

On this day, 11 November 1918, it is the armistice: an agreement between the countries to stop the fighting. In the streets of Paris, Alsace and Lorraine, and all over France, crowds celebrate the end of the war. These black-and-white films are silent, but you can almost hear the cries of joy! 

Watch, listen, smell and try to imagine being with them to celebrate victory.

Finally, peace!

On 28 June 1919, a treaty was signed at Versailles to set the post-war rules.  Germany lost territories, including Alsace and Lorraine, and was required to pay reparations for the damages. 

While it was presented as the conflict’s final settlement, this treaty was the cause of much tension between the countries. Peace had returned, but it remained fragile. 

Look at the map, the borders are moving... 

A new idea for peace!

In 1925, the first building of the Cité internationale universitaire was inaugurated in Paris. Students from around the globe came to live together in modern houses. What was the aim?  To meet and get to know one another!  

And this project is ongoing: the latest building was added in 2024! 

Looking at the Autochromes, can you guess which countries have a house on the campus? 

The artist Laurence Aëgerter was inspired by Albert Kahn’s garden to create this tapestry. The water lilies appear to be separated, but they are connected by their roots beneath the water.  

The leaves in the water mark out a path to follow; for the artist, it is a way to show that peace is built day by day, step by step. 

Can you find the shape drawn by the metal wires? 

We want to know your thoughts! 

Along the exhibition trail, you have explored the history and ideas of men and women engaged for peace. Now, it’s your turn to act! Progress towards peace is also down to individuals’ actions, no matter how small.  

Write a short message, an idea or draw a picture, and pop your sheet in the box. Soon, it will join those of other visitors on the “wall for expression”.  

Together, let’s imagine peace day to day. 

What can we do for peace today?