May '68: When Paris Erupted in Protest

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About this Exhibition

On May 3, 1968, Parisian students took to the street in protests that spread throughout France, quickly engulfing offices, factories and other places of work. The country came to a near-standstill. This exhibition of works by the late French photographer Marc Riboud reminds us of both the passions of the moment and of the enigmatic playfulness that striking students and workers frequently displayed. Riboud, two-time winner of the Overseas Press Club Award and Sony World Photography Lifetime Achievement Award, was known for his beautifully-composed black-and-white photographs and focus on people and places.

The annotated exhibit will provide a timeline of the developments that terminated, unpredictably, with a massive electoral reaffirmation of the government of President Charles de Gaulle.

Check out our partners' events: Northeastern University | Harvard University

May '68 Revisited: The Occupy Movement that Paralyzed France

This winter and spring, the French Library / Alliance Française of Boston and Cambridge, in partnership with Northeastern University and Harvard University, presents May '68 Revisited: The Occupy Movement that Paralyzed France. This months-long series of exhibitions, discussions, debates, film screenings, readings and other activities presents the viewpoints of authors, photographers, journalists, artists, academics, politicians and others to help you discover, appreciate and understand the impact of the May '68 uprisings.

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Social & Community

Online Conversation Club

Online event in French

Friday, October 2, 2026

Seeking opportunities to speak French? Join us online for our popular members-only conversation gathering.

Kids & Families

L'Heure du Conte

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Saturday, October 3, 2026

We invite parents and children to gather in the children's room of our library for a magical story time in French!

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The Frenchmen: French Theory from Paris to America

Emily Eakin in Conversation with Bruno Perreau

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Join critic and essayist Emily Eakin and MIT professor Bruno Perreau for a lively conversation about The Frenchmen and how French theory captivated America, transformed intellectual life, and continues to shape today’s culture wars.

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