Personal Perspectives

From June 26 to September 20, 2026, the Leica Gallery Wetzlar is presenting the exhibition Personal Perspectives. 50 Photographs for 50 Years of Leica Galleries, to celebrate the history of Leica Galleries.

Significant images, great names, surprising discoveries: the Personal Perspectives jubilee exhibition at the Leica Gallery Wetzlar presents history and stories. An exciting and multi-faceted display – with many Leica Classics alongside new discoveries –, it has been put together in collaboration with Leica gallerists working around the world. 

With the opening of the first Leica Gallery at the firm’s seat in Wetzlar, fifty years ago, the company laid down the cornerstone for its cultural commitment with a successful concept that thrives to this day. In April 1976, the first exhibition space was established in Wetzlar, in the foyer of what was then the Leica administration building. Over the following decades, further locations followed around the world: from New York City to Prague; from Frankfurt on the Main to Tokyo. Karin Rehn-Kaufmann’s opening of the Leica Gallery in Salzburg, in 2008, proved to be a significant milestone. With the appointment of Rehn-Kaufmann as General Representative of the Leica Galleries, a rapid international expansion proceeded over subsequent years – giving rise to a network that now comprises 28 galleries. The number continues to grow.

Offering around 150 exhibitions a year, the galleries strike a balance between contemporary and classic works of Leica photographers. A look at the current programmes reveals the diversity found in the medium. Leica Galleries stand for exceptional images, cultural dialogue and the advancement of photography. They see themselves as places of encounter, reflection and exchange – between photographers and an international public – and provide a space for visual narratives that address historical, political and social themes, and stimulate discussion. For half a century, they have symbolized photographic excellence and diversity. All this represents more than enough reason for Leica Camera AG to celebrate these five decades.

Have you been able to visit every Leica Gallery in person?
Almost. Unfortunately, I’m missing two galleries in Australia: Melbourne and Sydney. For me, the idea of sitting in an aeroplane for 24 hours is a nightmare, which is why I’ve avoided it till now. I have made the intention to visit next year. Apart from those, I’m glad to say that I’ve visited all the gallery locations. 

Are there particularly touching stories that you like to think back on?
Here too, it’s always the people – whether photographers, visitors or collectors –, who touch me with their stories. I’m happy about the fact that the galleries are considered as places for reflection, relaxation, concentration, social interaction and, above all, learning. What can be lovelier than to hear such comments from the customers?

What is it that you find particularly formative and enriching about your work with the galleries?
There are so many lovely and interesting encounters with such a diversity of photography personalities. I am constantly fascinated by the personal involvement, the photographers’ different focuses, their courage and the strength of their ideas, as they remain faithful to their visions and their stance in the service of photography. And, in their own way and in their particular country, all the Leica gallerists scattered across the globe are something special.

Do you have any wishes for these venues? 
For the future, I hope that the Leica Galleries remain courageous – open for new voices, perspectives and formats –, that they continue to be places where diversity is visible and where photography, as a universal language, builds bridges and 
overcomes borders, languages and political differences. At the same time, I hope that they will to nurture young talent, expand international collaborations, and also retain a voice that is loud and clear within the art and photography market.

What will change in the future? Which are the greatest challenges and hopes? 
Much will change over the coming decades. Photography will be transformed as a result of artificial intelligence, new image technologies and changed visual habits. The greatest challenge will be to preserve authenticity at a time when it will be increasingly easy to manipulate pictures. At the same time, this is where we have an opportunity: the desire for real, credible stories will grow. My hope is that Leica Galleries will continue to be places where people feel touched, provoked to think, and be inspired – places where photography is not merely viewed, but experienced. If they retain this emotional power, these galleries will continue to be a vibrant part of cultural life for decades to come – serving as a compass, a meeting place and a source of new visions.