100 Years of Leica:
The Event in New York City
100 Years of Leica I – commemorated at the crossroads of creativity and history, where industrial character meets luxury, in New York City’s lively Meatpacking District. Amidst the pulse of the city, street culture, and innovative spirit, the roots of 35 mm photography were honored with a forward-looking perspective. Outstanding exhibitions, meaningful encounters, and striking images transformed the third stage of our centenary celebrations into a dynamic exchange between tradition and trends.
Illumination on Times Square
As the world’s most visited travel destination and likely the backdrop of most selfies in Manhattan, Times Square was a fitting location for the grand opening of our “100 Years of Leica” festivities in New York. We paid tribute to our historic Leica I, the city of New York, and the art of photography with a dazzling illumination in Times Square. At a site visited by millions, we presented the enduring connection between historical design and timeless aesthetics over the past century on a grand scale.
Leica Gallery Pop-Up
At the Leica Gallery pop-up event, our official auction house, “Leitz Photographica Auction”, displayed two rare and historically significant collector’s items: the Leica M3 bearing serial number 700,000 and prototype no. 112 from the Leica 0 Series. The latter is among the earliest 35 mm cameras ever made and is set to be auctioned in Wetzlar on June 27, 2025. The pop-up event showcases 100 iconic images by renowned photographers. These are photographs that have shaped our collective memory – ranging from frontline war journalism to the documentation of pivotal cultural moments.
The Sound of Light
Featuring Andy Summers, Ralph Gibson, and Laurie Anderson at The Whitney Museum "The Sound of Light"
“The Sound of Light” was an unforgettable VIP event that celebrated Leica’s legacy, bringing together renowned photographers and musicians for a once-in-a-lifetime fusion of photography and music at The Whitney Museum. The riveting concert left the audience captivated, as stunning visuals and mesmerizing music created an unparalleled experience.
100 Years of Leica: Celebration in Gansevoort Plaza
On May 3, Gansevoort Plaza in the vibrant Meatpacking District embraced the theme “100 Years of Leica I: Witness to a Century”. A range of events welcomed visitors, offering them the chance to explore and engage with our brand firsthand. A historical timeline guided us through the key milestones on our journey, spanning from 1925 to the present. At the Ernst Leitz Museum in New York, an extension of our original museum in Wetzlar, legendary cameras told the success story spanning from the historic Leica I to the modern Leica M11-P.
Furthermore, a team from Leica Akademie North America, renowned for its longstanding tradition of hands-on and immersive workshops arranged across the continent, provided insights into our cameras and their upcoming program. Guests could unwind with a coffee and engage in conversations with fellow enthusiasts at the Café Leitz Truck, designed to reflect the charm of our Café Leitz in Wetzlar.
Leica Akademie Experience - the Darkroom
On Gansevoort Plaza, guests had the unique opportunity to be photographed by renowned portrait photographer Mark Mann, using the Leica SL3. They were given a printed copy of their portrait as a lasting keepsake of this memorable day. For those seeking a quieter moment away from the spotlight, our darkroom provided a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchantment of analog photography. Guided by our experts, prints were developed in the darkroom, just as they were a century ago.
Live Art Installation and Photo Slam
At a live event, renowned artist Stash turned everyday transport into a platform for creativity, crafting an original visual narrative on train doors. His vibrant graffiti seamlessly united photography with street art, creating a striking dialogue with our legacy of creative freedom. Bil Brown’s “Photo Slam” continued the creative momentum: It provided photographers with a platform to showcase, celebrate, and reimagine their work, much like a poetry slam.
“Through Their Eyes” a Series of Video Testimonials
An inspiring event welcomed guests at the New York Leica Store & Gallery, nestled in the heart of the Meatpacking District. With “Through Their Eyes: 100 Years of Leica”, we honored a century of storytelling, innovation, and the remarkable community that has shaped Leica’s legacy. The event featured live photography, insightful interviews, and real-time video reportage with our esteemed brand ambassador, Mynxii White. It was an event that celebrated our rich heritage while inspiring the next generation of creatives to share their personal stories through a Leica lens.
Aperture Library
On May 3, 2025, the library at our New York Leica Store showcased an exclusive exhibition: the presentation of the Aperture Collection. It featured a curated selection of both newly published and classic titles, exhibiting our enduring collaboration with the foremost publishing house in photography. Photo books hold a vital place in the evolution of photography. They document significant moments – moments that have shaped our visual culture. At the same time, influential voices shaping contemporary photography explored new avenues in a panel discussion led by Aperture.
Cameras and Coffee with Brandon Ruffin
Multidisciplinary artist Brandon Ruffin hosted a community-driven gathering, uniting photography enthusiasts to share their passion for the medium. Over coffee at Café Leitz, creative minds came together to share ideas, drawing inspiration from their surroundings.
100 Years of Leica: Prestigious Exhibition with Bruce Davidson and Sara Messinger
The Leica Store & Gallery in New York hosted the exhibition “In Conversation: A Photographic Dialogue Between Yesterday and Today” from May 1 to June 15, 2025. It features the works of Leica Hall of Fame award winner Bruce Davidson alongside renowned artist Sara Messinger. Through their compelling imagery, the exhibition underscores Leica’s transformational impact on the world of photography.
A Night to Remember: VIP Dinner & Concert at The Whitney Museum
To close out Leica’s unforgettable centennial celebration, we hosted a spectacular VIP evening at the iconic Whitney Museum, an experience designed to honor the heart of it all: the Leica community.
The night began with an intimate dinner set against the backdrop of world-class art, where creators, collectors, and visionaries gathered to reflect on 100 years of storytelling through the Leica lens. It was a celebration of shared passion, powerful memories, and the people who continue to shape Leica’s legacy.
Oof Tatata, at the Whitney Museum
Jason Momoa joined Leica’s 100-year celebration in New York City, bringing his creative energy to a vibrant gathering of artists, photographers, and visionaries. The evening culminated in a powerful live performance by Momoa and his band, Oof Tatata, at the Whitney Museum, an electrifying fusion of music, artistry, and Leica’s century-long legacy. We invite you to experience the spirit of the celebration through a special video created by Jason and his team.
