Inspiring Exhibitions in Wetzlar

Setting the Stage for Photographic History
Wetzlar, the birthplace of the Leica I in 1925, invites you to three special exhibitions 100 years later as part of the anniversary celebrations. Each exhibit has its own perspective on photography. But they all pay tribute to our legacy and chronicle the role we continue to play in the world of photography to this day. Welcome to Wetzlar. Welcome to our home town!
Neues Rathaus: 22 April – 31 July 2025
The Leica I revolutionised photography – a feat made possible by the visionaries Ernst Leitz II and Oskar Barnack as well as by our committed employees, who have been moulding the Leica brand into an icon for generations. The exhibition at the New Town Hall invites you on a fascinating journey through our production sites and eras – from the beginnings in Wetzlar, to the time in Solms and our factory in Portugal, to the world of innovation that is the Leitz Park today. It is a homage to craftsmanship, pioneering spirit and passion for photography.
Lottehof Wetzlar: 16 May – 19 October 2025
For 100 years now, our cameras have been accompanying photographers as they journey the planet. Today, we present more than 65,000 of them and over a million pictures in the Leica Fotografie International (LFI) online gallery. The Lottehof is exhibiting a curated selection of 50 exceptional images from around the world from 16 May to 19 October 2025. They feature moving moments and stunning locations, and tell the stories of our world through the universal language of photography.
Galerie am Dom: 7 June – 6 July 2025
Exceptional female photographers take centre stage at the exhibition “Four Strong Women”. Their work ranges from long-term documentary studies through surreal still lifes and poetic imagery to impressive video installations, demonstrating the diversity of the photographic narrative arts. On the ground floor, Herlinde Koelbl tells stories of power, metamorphosis and poetry with her images. On the first floor, Vera Mercer’s baroque still lifes inspire, as does Henrike Stahl’s experimental photography. In the Gallery Artshop, Donata Wenders presents her photographic and cinematic dream landscapes.