On the occasion of the centennial of Michel Foucault ’s birth on October 15, 1926, the Collège de France pays tribute to one of the most influential figures in its recent history, whose work continues to shed light on contemporary thought.
A leading philosopher, his tenure at the Collège de France —from 1970 until his untimely death in 1984—left a profound mark on the institution, as well as on the history of ideas in France and around the world. The international influence of his teachings, which began with large audiences, continued beyond his death through the publication of his lectures at the Collège de France, completed in 2015. Today, Michel Foucault is the most cited author in the humanities worldwide.
Throughout 2026, the Collège de France will offer a series of events—courses, seminars, a symposium, an exhibition, and lectures—that will explore the diversity of his work and the vitality of his legacy. Through this exceptional program, the Collège de France aims not only to celebrate the figure of Michel Foucault but also to carry forward his intellectual legacy. All of these events will be organized under the direction of Professor Didier Fassin, holder of the chair in Moral Questions and Political Issues in Contemporary Societies .
