The Suez Canal construction site

The Musée d’Orsay is exhibiting a rare album of photographs taken by Louis Robert Cuvier in 1866-1867, a valuable record of the extreme challenges involved in the construction of the Suez Canal. This collection provides an exemplary case of how photography was very early on used to address technological, financial, commercial, and diplomatic issues.

Construction of the Suez Canal began in 1859 and lasted 10 years, ending in 1869, under the direction of Frenchman Ferdinand de Lesseps.

This project was one of the major civil engineering adventures of the 19th century.

Location: Musée d’Orsay

Address: Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing 75007 Paris

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: €16

Transportation: RER C station Musée d’Orsay

             Metro: line 12 station Solférino

              Bus line 73 station Musée d’Orsay