Photographer Documents US Strip Clubs’ Colorful Facades in New Book

French photographer François Prost embarked on a 6,000-mile road trip across the United States, not in search of national parks or iconic landmarks, but to document the often-overlooked facades of strip clubs. The resulting collection, compiled into his new book “Gentlemen’s Club,” offers a unique and unsettling portrait of American culture, urbanism, and the complex relationship with sexuality.

Published in 2026 by Fisheye Editions, “Gentlemen’s Club” features nearly 150 photographs taken between 2019 and 2023, capturing the architectural styles and signage of establishments ranging from the pastel-hued Club Pink Pussycat in Florida to more discreet venues hidden along the country’s “Bible Belt.” Prost’s work deliberately avoids depicting the interiors or performers, focusing instead on the external presentation of these businesses.

This project builds upon Prost’s earlier series, “After Party,” which documented the facades of nightclubs across France. He noticed a striking similarity between the architectural aesthetics of French nightclubs and what he perceived as a distinctly American style, prompting him to explore the source of that influence firsthand. As Prost explains, the American strip clubs often “demand to be seen,” with brightly colored walls, bold signage, and an unapologetic display that contrasts with the more subtle approach often found in Europe.

The photographer’s approach is distinctly observational. He visited the clubs during daylight hours, seeking permission to photograph the exteriors and engaging with owners and staff. He found a surprising degree of acceptance, with many viewing the project as a harmless, even flattering, portrayal of their businesses. Prost’s intention wasn’t to judge or condemn, but to document a facet of American life that often exists in the margins.

A Landscape of Contradictions

Prost’s photographs reveal a landscape of contradictions. Many clubs are situated alongside mainstream businesses – fast food restaurants, casinos, and shopping malls – seamlessly integrated into the commercial fabric of American life. Others are tucked away in more conservative areas, their presence a stark contrast to the surrounding environment. This juxtaposition, Prost argues, speaks to a complex and often ambivalent attitude towards sex and sexuality in the United States.

The signage itself provides a window into the cultural landscape. Pun-laden names like “Booby Trap” and “Bottoms Up,” alongside slogans promising “fun” and “pleasure,” reveal a playful, yet commodifying, approach to the female form. Prost’s photographs capture these signs with a detached objectivity, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about the messages they convey.

The project also highlights the normalization of strip clubs in certain parts of the country. Prost observed that some establishments in Las Vegas function as hybrid businesses, offering both entertainment and dining options, even catering to specific demographics with happy hour deals and specialized menus. This integration into everyday life, he suggests, is a uniquely American phenomenon.

Beyond Sexuality: A Reflection of the American Dream

While the subject matter is inherently tied to sexuality, Prost believes his work ultimately offers a broader commentary on American culture and the pursuit of the “American Dream.” He argues that the success of these businesses, regardless of their nature, reflects a societal acceptance of entrepreneurialism and a willingness to embrace commerce, even in areas considered taboo. As Prost puts it, “As long as you’re successful in terms of business, it doesn’t matter if your activity deals with sex.”

Prost’s work is currently being exhibited at the Agnes b. Galerie Boutique in Tokyo, Japan, and the book is available through Fisheye Editions. His next project will focus on love hotels in Japan, continuing his exploration of spaces that occupy a unique and often ambiguous position within society. Through his lens, Prost continues to challenge conventional perspectives and offer a fresh, often unsettling, glimpse into the hidden corners of the world.

“Gentlemen’s Club” isn’t simply a photographic study of strip club architecture; it’s a visual essay on American identity, consumerism, and the enduring power of spectacle. It’s a project that invites viewers to question their own assumptions and to consider the complex forces that shape the landscapes we inhabit.