50 Years of Leica Galleries

Seeing, discovering and experiencing five decades of photography – a community connected through the culture of the image.
Logo 50 years leica galleries

The International Network of Leica Galleries – Growing Since 1976

For 50 years, Leica Galleries across the globe have existed as more than mere exhibition spaces. They are places of inspiration, encounter and dialogue. From the first gallery established in Wetzlar in 1976 to today, the global network has grown across continents. They all celebrate the art of seeing, the power of photography, and the strong conviction that images can touch people and change perspectives.

Discover the programme of Leica Galleries

First Gallery in Wetzlar in 1976

Around 150 exhibitions a year

27 Leica Galleries worldwide

Leica Gallery Wetzlar 1976

Leica Gallery Wetzlar 2026

Leica Gallery Wetzlar 2026

For 50 years, Leica Galleries have been presenting a fascinating kaleidoscope of photographic perspectives, not only within the world of Leica but also in relation to the international photography scene. With the opening of its first gallery in April 1976 in Wetzlar, Leica demonstrated foresight and the willingness to innovate. The enormous significance the galleries would have for Leica became evident over the following years. International locations were added over the decades, from New York to Prague, and from Frankfurt am Main to Tokyo. 

One special milestone came in 2008, when Karin Rehn-Kaufmann opened the Leica Gallery in Salzburg, marking the beginning of her commitment as Chief Representative of Leica Galleries International, and leading to the rapid expansion of a global network that now comprises 27 galleries. In 2026, additional Leica Galleries will open in Chicago and Shanghai. 

The current exhibition programme presents the medium’s full range and diversity – from icons of photography and winners of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, to emerging new talents. The galleries have long since established themselves as key ambassadors of the image and of a vibrant visual culture, and as meeting places for Leica enthusiasts. As such, they are a key pillar of Leica’s cultural outreach.

Events Within the Framework of the 50-Year Jubilee of Leica Galleries

Find out about the jubilee exhibition in Wetzlar and other events at Leica Galleries around the world.

Three Questions for Karin Rehn-Kaufmann

Why are Leica Galleries so important for Leica’s cultural work?
Leica Galleries are much more than just exhibition spaces; they are emotionally engaging meeting spaces. 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, and humanity are tangible.

What do you find particularly enriching about your work with the galleries?
There are so many rewarding and inspiring encounters with such diverse and exciting photographers. Time and again, I’m fascinated by the personal involvement, their different focuses, their courage and strength, their ideas, and the way they remain faithful to their vision and serve the medium.

What are your hopes for the Leica Galleries? 
I hope that the Leica Galleries will continue to be courageous – open to new voices, new perspectives, and new formats. I also hope they remain places where diversity is visible, and where photography can build universal bridges, overcoming borders, languages, and political opinions.

Personal Perspectives – Insights into the Jubilee Exhibition

The Leica Gallery Wetzlar is presenting 50 pictures by 50 Leica photographers spanning from the past to the present.

“For myself, the thing that sets Leica Galleries apart is the combination of a deep pas-sion for photography, a high level of expertise and a genuine welcome. I’m impressed by the global network and delighted that my work has been exhibited in cities such as London, Salzburg, Düsseldorf and Amsterdam. Each gallery has its own distinctive cu-ratorial style. These unique exhibition spaces allow us all to experience profound en-counters between photography and ourselves as human beings. You can’t copy passi-on.”

Franziska Stünkel

Highlights from the Galleries

A carefully curated journey through the archives reveals milestones from 50 years of Leica Galleries, including iconic images, defining exhibitions and stories that resonate to this day.

More About the Leica Galleries

Discover Leica Galleries around the world and plan your next visit. Each gallery has its own perspective – united by a common passion for photography.

Leica Culture

Awards, personalities, perspectives

Leica highlights outstanding photographic achievements and perspectives through accolades such as the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and the Leica Hall of Fame, cultural destinations such as the Leica Galleries and the Ernst Leitz Museum, and initiatives such as the Leica Picture of the Year and the magazine Leica Fotografie International.