Maurice Fréchet - Concrete mathematics

Introduction

Maurice Fréchet (1878-1973) was undoubtedly one of the most creative mathematicians in the 20th century. He is credited with stabilising fundamental topological concepts such as compactness and the notion of distance. An outstanding representative of the new school of French mathematical alanalysis that emerged at the end of the previous century, he was able to transpose his conception of the discipline far beyond its narrow field by proving himself an active disciple of Émile Borel, who wanted to see scholars at the heart of society.
Although he did not, like his illustrious elder, make any political commitments as such, Fréchet devoted all his energy to showing how mathematics can play a leading role for thos who study social phenomena, such as economists, actuaries, geographers, sociologists, etc.

His time in Strasbourg, which was reconquered by France between 1919 and 1928, his productive scientific shift towards the mathematics of chance, his role as leader of the IHP for more than twenty years, his immense correspondence with countless intellectuals of the time, and his humanist activity towads Esperanto make his career one of the most original and colourful among mathematicians of the period.
Through 14 panels, the exhibition explores these different facets to give the public an insight into the originality and depth of this extraordinary career.

Year of creation

2026

Realisation

Production: Institut Henri Poincaré, Laboratory of Statistical Probabilities & Modelling (LPSM), HiDiM network (RT2183), with the support of the Sorbonne University Mathematics Department and Fonds de Dotation de l'IHP (Endowment Fund).
Curators: Nathalie Chevalarias, Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Poitiers, Matthias Cléry at the CNRS History Committee, Frédéric Jaëck, Lecturer and Researcher at Aix-Marseille University, Laurent Mazliak, Lecturer and Researcher at Sorbonne University, and Gatien Ricotier, Independent Researcher in Strasbourg, Graphic design and illustration (poster): Judith Lorne.

Technical details

The exhibition is composed of 14 canvases measuring 120cm high and 80cm wide. Exhibitions are available for borrowing in digital format. The panles should be printed in A0 format or in a homothetic format.

Informations 

From 4 March to 30 June 2026
IHP Library - 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 5th arrondissement I Denise Lardeux Room
Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, free admission.

Public

Exhibition for all audiences, with a particular focus on pupils and students of mathematics, as well as teachers at all levels.

Loan Terms and Conditions

The loan of the exhibitions is free of charge upon reservation. The borrower is responsible for printing the exhibition.

Translation

This exhibition is currently only available in French. Would you like to borrow this exhibition in another language? Contact us!