WWII Liberation of Aix-en-Provence a Photo Exhibition Until October

A unique photo exhibition will be shown in Aix-en-Provence to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation on August 21, 1944. Called Ombres et Lumières (Shadows and Light), it traces the history of Aix between 1930 and 1950, with particular emphasis on the war years.

The show, organized by the CEPPIA Foundation and the Henry Ely Fund, will take place in the Hôtel Boadès, a historic building in the town center near the tourist office.

From Darkness to Light

Beginning in 1940, Aix was part of France’s free zone under the Vichy government but was still subject to fascist propaganda.

© Photographies Henry Ely

When the Nazi troops took over in 1942, photography in Aix was prohibited, so some of the photos in the exhibition were taken at significant risk. Included are some images showing members of the French Resistance who the Nazis had shot. These photos were later used in the Nuremberg trials.

These dark days in Aix ended when Allied troops liberated the town, and the exhibition includes many photos of soldiers, Sherman tanks, and joyful citizens.

© Photographies Henry Ely

©Photographies Henry Ely

The postwar period was not without its shadows, however. What is known as the Épuration (cleansing) took place, where those accused of collaboration received rough justice at the hands of their fellow citizens.

© Photographies Henry Ely

But along with these harsh images, we also see the beginning of brighter days ahead, with the city’s reconstruction and the launching of significant new projects like the Bimont Dam near Mont Sainte Victoire.

©Photographies Henry Ely

Practical Information

Exhibition Site: Hôtel Boadès, 8 Place Jean d’Arc, Aix-en-Provence
Exhibition Dates: August 21 to October 27, 2024
Exhibition Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am-12 pm and 2 pm-7 pm
Tickets cost 5 euros and can be purchased online here.

Photo Credits

All photos courtesy of Photographies Henry Ely