From 26 June to 20 September 2026, the Leica Gallery, Wetzlar will be hosting a special exhibition titled “Personal Perspectives”. It will celebrate its history while also honouring the significance of Leica Galleries worldwide. A collaboration with Leica gallerists around the world has resulted in an exciting and varied exhibition. It contains numerous classics that will be presented alongside many new discoveries, and reflects the company’s cultural work.
When Leica opened the first Gallery in Wetzlar 50 years ago, they laid the foundation for the company’s cultural commitment. It’s a successful concept that continues to this day. In April 1976, the first exhibition was opened in what was then the Leica administration building. Over the following decades, further locations have been established around the world, from New York City, to Prague, to Frankfurt and Tokyo.
A milestone
In 2008, a significant milestone was reached when the Leica Gallery Salzburg was opened by Karin Rehn-Kaufmann. She was subsequently appointed General Representative of Leica Galleries International, which led to the rapid expansion of the global network, now comprising 27 venues. And the trend is set to continue, with a Leica Gallery due to open in Shanghai later this year.
The chance to see photographic exhibitions, whether in galleries or museums, was not the norm 50 years ago. It is clear that Leica showed great foresight. Today, Leica galleries are visible ambassadors for the shared aim of making photography — as an art form, a historical record and a social voice — tangible and available to people around the globe.
150 exhibitions a year
The galleries present around 150 exhibitions each year. They have successfully managed to balance showcasing both contemporary photography and the iconic works of the past. They are places to encounter, reflect, and interact between photographers and the viewing public.
Leica galleries offer a space to present visual storytelling that explores historical, political and social issues, and encourages wide-ranging discussions. For half a century now, the venues have stood for photographic excellence and the diversity of the medium: a perfect reason for Leica Camera AG to celebrate these five decades.
Emotional connection and meeting points
“Leica Galleries are much more than simple exhibition spaces; they are emotional meeting points. These are places where photography is not only shown, but experienced; spaces where stories become visible; where different perspectives come together; and where Leica values – precision, authenticity, humanity – are tangible”, says Rehn-Kaufmann.
“It is precisely in this increasingly digital and fast-paced world that these physical places become invaluable. Leica galleries provide the possibility for a direct interaction between the artists and the general public, foster dialogue and inspiration, and give photography a stage that touches and resonates. They combine technology with emotions, handicraft with approach, and provide real cultural relevance.”
Personal perspectives
“Personal perspectives” was launched around a year ago with a call for current gallerists to select their favourite images. The diversity of the photography that has been on display ensured great variety in the proposals, with the classics holding their own, alongside newer voices. The scope of this exhibition includes such greats as Werner Bischof, Elliott Erwitt, Gianni Berengo Gardin, Thomas Hoepker, Bruce Gilden, Barbara Klemm, Ralph Gibson and Joel Meyerowitz.
Classic photo-journalistic approaches are well represented, as are free, artistic works — from portraiture to reportage; and, of course, the street photography genre, which is linked to Leica like few others.
There is the opportunity to revisit the works of past Leica Oskar Barnack Award winners, as well as discover newer photographic approaches that engage in surprising dialogues with the classics, as demonstrated by the works of Franziska Stünkel, Lys Arango and M’hammed Kilito. And so, the jubilee exhibition at the Leica Gallery Wetzlar presents history and stories — from personal perspectives and with in-depth expertise.
A 50-year chapter
The current “Personal Perspectives” display in Wetzlar underlines the impressive selection available to Leica Galleries. For 50 years, they have been shaping an exciting chapter dealing with perception of photography — not just within the world of Leica, but also in connection with the international photographic scene.
“My hope is that Leica Galleries will continue to be places that touch people, encourage reflection and offer inspiration. Places where photography is not only viewed but also felt. If they can retain this emotional power, they will remain a vibrant part of cultural life over the coming decades — serving as a guiding light, a meeting place and a source of new visions,” Rehn-Kaufmann concludes.
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