Berlin is a city of photography: galleries and exhibition spaces such as the Helmut Newton Foundation of Photography and the C/O Gallery devote numerous exhibitions to the subject of photography. The EMOP, Germany's largest photography festival, takes place in Berlin every two years. And of course you can also stage yourself perfectly in the capital. We have put together a list of the top 11 addresses for photography enthusiasts.
Tip 1: Helmut Newton - Museum of Photography
The Museum of Photography is definitely one of the top addresses for photography enthusiasts in Berlin. The two lower floors are dedicated to the star and fashion photographer Helmut Newton, born in Berlin in 1920, and his work. In addition to his photographs from different periods of his life, you can also see a replica of his studio and some of the original outfits of this bon vivant, who also received a lot of criticism for his sometimes unusual perspectives on the female body.
On the first floor there are changing exhibitions on the subject of photography.
When: Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Thursday until 8 p.m.)
Where: Jebensstraße 2, Charlottenburg
TICKETS FOR THE MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Tip 2: EMOP Berlin - European Month of Photography
During the European Month of Photography, a wide range of institutions in Berlin and Potsdam present the entire spectrum of historical and contemporary photography. Germany's largest photography festival takes place every two years and presents exhibitions in large museums and small galleries, in outdoor spaces and in project rooms. Foreign cultural institutions and embassies are also involved. Participants are selected from a large number of applicants by a jury of experts.
When: 2 - 31 March 2023
Where: anywhere in Berlin
11 Tips for THE EUROPEAN MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Tip 3: Camera Work Gallery
Camera Work is one of the world's leading galleries for photography and photographic art. In addition to the works of renowned photographers such as Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and, of course, Helmut Newton, you can also see exhibitions of contemporary photo artists represented by Camera Work. The aim is to present the history and present of photography as well as to help shape the future of this art format.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and by appointment (free admission).
Where: Kantstraße 149, Charlottenburg
Tip 4: C/O Berlin
The exhibition areas of the C/O Berlin in the Amerikahaus am Zoo are primarily developed around the theme of photography. You can see up to three different group and solo exhibitions here on a rotating basis. Big names such as Annie Leibowitz, Nan Goldin, Peter Lindbergh and Anton Corbijn have already shown their work here. The photographs themselves are often placed in a larger context, and the medium and its development are discussed in various formats. Until May 4, you can see photographs by William Eggleston, who is considered one of the pioneers of color photography, and Anastasia Samoylova's views of Florida.
When: daily 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Amerika-Haus, Hardenbergstraße 22-24, Charlottenburg
Tip 5: Fotografiska
In Berlin's former Kunsthaus Tacheles on Oranienburger Straße, the Swedish photography museum Fotografiska is expected to open its fourth branch (alongside Stockholm, New York and Tallinn) end 2022. In addition to photo exhibitions, a diverse cultural programme is planned to continue the tradition of the historic Kunsthaus Tacheles. In 1990, an artists' initiative had saved the building, which was built around 1907, from demolition and used the premises as studios and for various art events until it was vacated in 2012.
When: 2023
Where: Oranienburger Strasse 60, Mitte
Tip 6: Willi Brandt House
The SPD party headquarters in Kreuzberg is not only architecturally exciting, but as an "open house" it also hosts interesting photo and art exhibitions from time to time. The in-house collection comprises over 2500 works of art from 1896 to the present day. For amateur photographers, a visit is also worthwhile because of the light-flooded backdrop of the 25-metre-high atrium. Tip: The bistro "Willy's" is open not only to staff but also to guests of the building.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 - 18 h
Where: Wilhelmstraße 140, Kreuzberg
Tip 7: f³ - freiraum
The focus of freiraum in Kreuzberg is on author photography. Five to six exhibitions are presented here every year on an area of over 200 square metres. Workshops for photographers are held regularly. In addition, there are invitations to discourse and exchange about the medium of photography in the current socio-political context. The aim of the organisers is to set content-related and aesthetic accents in a world in which we are inundated with images every day.
Where: Waldemarstraße 17, Kreuzberg
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 1 - 7 p.m.
More Galleries & exhibition spaces in Berlin
Tip 8: Photo Gallery Friedrichshain
Founded in 1985 by two East Berlin art students, Fotogalerie Friedrichshain has a real pioneer status. At the time, there was hardly a gallery in the whole of Germany that focused solely on photography. It took years for the two dedicated students to get the concept approved by the GDR regime. In August 1985, the photo gallery then opened with an exhibition by Richard Peter documenting the destruction of Dresden in the Second World War.
Although the two founders had to leave the Fotogalerie - partly due to political pressure - the concept became a success. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the gallery had to fight for survival for a while. In collaboration with the Kulturring, the Galerie für Fotografie has nevertheless managed to maintain a very special place for the medium of image to this day - and to establish a place for shared history and neighbourhood community in addition to the exhibitions of renowned photographers.
Where: Helsingforser Platz 1, Friedrichshain
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 2 - 6 p.m., Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
MORE ABOUT FRIEDRICHSHAIN-KREUZBERG
Tip 9: Gropius Bau
The Gropius Bau is one of the most important exhibition halls in Europe. At the same time, the Renaissance-style building is one of the most beautiful exhibition venues in Berlin. A visit is always worthwhile. The light-flooded atrium alone, which is freely accessible and always surprises with oversized or expansive installations, is an experience - and perfect for your personal photo shoot. Contemporary art of all kinds is on display, as well as photography, of course.
When: Wednesday to Monday, 10am - 7pm (closed Tuesday).
Where: Niederkirchner Straße 7, Kreuzberg
Tip 10: Top photo spots in Berlin
If you now feel like picking up the camera yourself, we've put together a list of the best photo spots in Berlin. Apart from the big sights like the Brandenburg Gate, the Oberbaumbrücke and the TV Tower, Berlin has a whole range of other photo spots where you can get the perfect shot.
- 11 tips for great shots at waterfronts in Berlin
- The top 11 best photo spots in Berlin
- The top 11 "instagrammable" street art spots in Berlin
- Top 11 "instagrammable" future spots
For all street art fans, we have put together a highlight for you with tours to the best spots and stories about the individual murals and artists on our ABOUT BERLIN app. Your digital city guide to Berlin history and stories.
Download now for free for Android and iOS
There's many stories to tell. ABOUT BERLIN.
Tip 11: Places for selfie fans
What would a blog for photo enthusiasts be without a few tips for those who like to take photos themselves. With the Studio of Wonders and the WOW Gallery, Berlin even has its own selfie museum, but the Illuseum also has many unusual settings for your very own photo shoot. And at Madame Tussauds you can pose with Darth Wader, Angela Merkel, as a crime scene commissioner or in the model area with Heidi Klum.
When: Tuesday and Friday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (closed Monday).
Where: Unter den Linden 74, Mitte
Tip: With the Berlin Welcome Card you can travel through Berlin for free and get a 25 percent discount at Madame Tussauds, the Studio of Wonders, and 190 other attractions.
Please find more photography events in our event calendar.
