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A month of extraordinary photographic exhibitions across Berlin
If a picture is worth a thousand words, you can expect an abundance of visual stories during the European Month of Photography (EMOP). As Germany's largest photography festival, EMOP Berlin offers visitors a vast experience of historical and contemporary photography, inviting photography fans and culture enthusiasts to engage in deep, meaningful dialogue through images.
Image gallery
EMOP 2020, Besucher betrachtet ausgestellte Fotografien
EMOP Berlin 2025
The biennial photography festival has ‘what stands between us’ as its leitmotif for its 11th edition in 2025. For the first time, EMOP Berlin is setting up a festival centre at the Akademie der Künste (AdK) on Hanseatenweg.
The complete exhibition programme for EMOP Berlin 2025 can be found here.
EMOP Berlin at a glance
First held in 2004, EMOP Berlin has grown into a major cultural event, showcasing the work of talented photographers from around the globe. Every two years throughout March, museums, cultural institutions, embassies and galleries across Berlin and nearby Potsdam host exhibitions and events, curated by an expert jury. Visitors will encounter a diverse range of photographic art forms, from classic black-and-white shots to cutting-edge digital work.
In addition to the exhibitions, EMOP Berlin offers a full programme of talks, panel discussions and special events during the EMOP Opening Days. These sessions provide an opportunity to engage with the artists, curators and thought leaders in photography. You'll gain insights into the stories behind the images, explore current societal issues and reflect on how photography can bridge divides in an increasingly polarised world.
EMOP Berlin photography festival highlights
- EMOP Opening Days feature talks and panels with photographers, curators and experts, encouraging deeper conversations around photography and its societal role.
- EMOP Specials are unique exhibitions and performances that offer a deeper dive into the festival's themes.
- EMOP Open Call invites young artists and new talent from all over the world to submit their work for the festival, keeping the exhibits on the cutting edge.
- The exhibits often focus on thought-provoking themes, such as societal conflict and the crisis of democracy.
- EMOP makes a venue of the entire city. From one exhibition space to the next, it leads you through new and interesting places you may have otherwise overlooked.
Discover EMOP Berlin
At the heart of EMOP Berlin is the belief that photography is not just a way to capture moments but a tool for exploring and addressing social issues. The festival's exhibitions bring together photographers who explore topics like political unrest and societal fragmentation. With photography becoming increasingly accessible, its role in shaping public opinion has grown, and EMOP Berlin provides a platform for challenging conversations.
The festival is also a reminder of photography's potential to either divide or unite. As camera technology becomes more prevalent and images are circulated at lightning speed, the boundaries between reality and manipulation blur. AI-generated photos, for example, are raising questions about truth in visual media, and EMOP Berlin provides a space to reflect on these concerns.
Top tips for EMOP Berlin
- Many galleries and museums have extended hours during the festival, especially on weekends. Check specific locations for details.
- The best way to get from one exhibit to the next is on foot, by bike or by public transport. The underground and buses are great for city travel, while Potsdam is easily accessible by train.
- Plan your visit well in advance for a chance to see the artists themselves talk about their works.
- The organisers of EMOP Berlin offer public guided tours where you can find out more about the background of the exhibited works.
- They also do their best to ensure accessibility at all the different locations. Check in advance for specific details.
