In fact, the La Sucrière museum in the French city of Lyon is offering two exceptional evening slots, during which visitors’ four-legged companions can explore its galleries.

These events are part of a major retrospective on Elliott Erwitt that the cultural centre in the French city is hosting until March 17.

This Franco-American photographer, who died in November at the age of 95, had a great interest in dogs. He devoted several books and many photographs to them, capturing the animals in shots reflecting their humour and humanity.

Elliott Erwitt had a surprising technique for photographing dogs. He’d get down on their level and bark. Often, the dogs were surprised by his behaviour.

“Sometimes they bark back, sometimes they jump,” he once said, according to The Guardian. Then, the photojournalist captured their reaction, giving rise to some of his finest photographs in the process.

Many of these feature among the 215 black & white and colour images currently on display at La Sucrière in Lyon. And they are sure to captivate visitors when they come to see this retrospective accompanied by their furry friend on Jan 25 and Feb 8.

During two specific time slots on these dates, dogs will be free to explore the “Elliott Erwitt. A Retrospective” exhibition with their owners. However, they must be kept on a leash or in a carrier at all times.

Note too, that dogs of breeds considered by the law to be attack, guard or defence dogs (rottweilers, pit bulls, mastiffs, tosas, etc.) will not be permitted to enter the museum. More information is available on the La Sucrière website.