100 YEARS OF LEICA – the Event in Shanghai

As China’s largest city, Shanghai blends tradition and innovation in a unique way – an interplay that reflects our philosophy. This made the Shanghai Post Museum, framed by the city’s futuristic skyline, the perfect setting to kick off our anniversary celebrations on 25 July. Until the end of August 2025, we will be celebrating our centenary in the Chinese metropolis: an occasion that honours history while opening up new perspectives. 

On 25 July, the façade of the culturally and architecturally significant Shanghai Post Museum was illuminated in iconic Leica red. The famous waterfront promenade known as “The Bund”, offering spectacular views of the Pudong skyline, was also bathed in the glow. The Baroque-style building of the former Shanghai Post Office, constructed in 1924 – the same year as the Leica I – has witnessed a century of transformation. It symbolises what has shaped us over the past 100 years: preserving stories and capturing meaningful moments for eternity.

As a special surprise, Shanghai’s landmark Sinar Mas Plaza was lit up Leica red against the glittering skyline, accompanied by a video celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Leica I. It heralded the forthcoming exhibition and marked the beginning of a new chapter in Leica’s history.

A highlight of the opening event was a visual tribute to 100 years of Leica photography. Drawing inspiration from our rich photographic heritage, four iconic images were reimagined through a graceful dance performance and striking light staging. The spectacular show also paid tribute to all the Chinese and international photographers featured in the exhibition, who share their deeply personal stories through images captured with their Leica cameras.  

In the historic ambience of the Shanghai Post Museum, the “Vintage Camera and Lenses Archive” showcased an impressive array of rare Leica models and classic lenses – including limited special edition pieces inspired by Chinese culture. The highlights included the Leica M6 Dragon Edition and the M6 Year of the Rooster Edition, both released in their respective zodiac years. Complete series, such as the legendary Noctilux and Summilux lenses, offered a captivating glimpse into the ongoing evolution of optical precision.

The “Craftsmanship Workshop” featured, among other exhibits, original sketches by Oskar Barnack, a Leica M11 disassembled into its individual components, as well as raw materials and lens parts. In addition, the “LFI Library” displayed a curated selection of LFI magazine covers, tracing the publication’s journey from its inception to the present day.

AThe exhibition Witness to a Century: When China Meets Leica celebrated its opening on 26 July. One of the central areas will showcase a curated selection of works by 32 notable Leica photographers – ranging from pioneering masters to emerging talents – until the end of August. Their works reflect a century of photographic connection between Leica and China. The exhibition features works by pioneering Chinese Leica photographer Jin Shisheng, renowned photojournalist Wu Jialin, Pulitzer Prize winner Liu Heung Shing, Leica Hall of Fame laureate Steve McCurry and Huang Jing – the first Chinese recipient of the LOBA Newcomer Award.