Foucault’s centenary: return to the archives before the catchphrases

The centenary of Michel Foucault’s birth on 15 October 1926 brings several cultural events in France. Official programmes distinguish what is already open from what remains announced.

The BnF and Collège de France present an exhibition at the latter institution from 30 September 2026 to 15 January 2027. Manuscripts and documents offer an approach through the philosopher’s work rather than an isolated quotation.

The Centre Pompidou announces an evening of readings and performances on 2 November at the BnF’s Richelieu site. It is still forthcoming. La Poste also plans a stamp for 19 October: these different formats range from encounters with texts to commemoration.

The value of this cultural sequence lies in access to the sources of a body of thought. An anniversary attracts attention; reading then allows arguments to be debated. Invoking Foucault’s name alone cannot explain a contemporary situation: the text and its context still need to be identified.