Photography lovers, this one's for you! Berlin offers an array of galleries and museums dedicated to the art of the lens. Whether you're a professional photographer, an amateur, or simply a fan of captivating images, Berlin's photography-focused spaces are sure to inspire and enthrall.
From the legendary works at the Helmut Newton Foundation to the cutting-edge exhibitions at C/O Berlin, the city offers something for everyone. Here are our top picks that you should not miss. Make sure to visit these photography spots on your next trip to Berlin!
Best museums and galleries in Berlin that focus on photography
Fotografiska Berlin
Photo credit: Eva Kern
A top address for people looking for inspiring photos is Fotografiska Berlin. Located in Mitte, Fotografiska Berlin is more than just a gallery, it is a cultural hotspot that combines art, food and social engagement. The unique location spans 5,500 square meters and was conceived as a cultural and social hub. Fotografiska Berlin includes a fantastic book and gift store on the second floor, where you can find art books, skateboards, candles, funky chairs and much more, as well as a stylish restaurant (Restaurant & Bar Veronika), a café on the second floor, a bakery where you can find the best breads and croissants, and a chic bar on the second floor (Bar Clara). Fotografiska Berlin is the fourth branch of the Fotografiska Group alongside the museums in Stockholm, New York and Tallinn.
A personal note from us: Fotografiska Berlin brings back old memories every time you visit. It is located in the former (converted) club and art house "Tacheles", which was closed in 2012 after a forced eviction. The building had been an important part of the Berlin art scene since the 1990s and our editor remembers many unique nights. Accordingly, the opening of Fotografiska Berlin 2023 was controversial for a long time. However, after several visits, Fotografiska has completely won us over despite all the doubts and we not only love the aesthetics of the building, a mixture of graffiti and elegance, but also the curatorial diversity.
Both up-and-coming photographers and exceptional international talents such as Elizaveta Porodiva await you at Fotografiska Berlin. So what are you waiting for?
Address: Oranienburger Str. 54, 10117 Berlin
C/O Berlin
Photo credit: Eva Kern
C/O Berlin is more than just a gallery; it's a cultural experience that celebrates the art of photography in all its forms. Located in the heart of Berlin-Charlottenburg near Zoologischer Garten, C/O Berlin is a must-visit for anyone passionate about photography. Housed in the historic Amerika Haus, this cultural institution showcases the work of renowned photographers alongside emerging talents. The exhibitions are diverse, covering various genres and themes, from documentary and fashion to fine art photography – describes itself as an "exhibition venue for photography + visual media". With its commitment to education and public engagement, C/O Berlin also offers workshops, lectures, and guided tours.
Our editor has visited C/O Berlin countless times and has never been disappointed. In addition to the regularly changing exhibitions, we recommend paying a visit to the cozy café and bookshop on the first floor.
Address: Hardenbergstraße 22-24, 10623 Berlin
Museum für Photographie
Photo credit: Eva Kern
Since its opening in 2004, the Museum für Fotografie in Berlin has become a major attraction for photography lovers worldwide. Located in Charlottenburg, the museum features the Helmut Newton Foundation, showcasing the works of the legendary photographer, and the Art Library's photography collection, which offers changing exhibitions on various themes on the second floor. With diverse exhibitions covering different photographic styles and periods, the Museum für Photographie also offers educational programs, workshops, and guided tours.
Tip: Don’t miss the well-selected art bookshop on the first floor, where you can buy discounted photography coffee table books, beautiful cards, and gifts.
Address: Jebensstraße 2, 10623 Berlin
Helmut Newton Foundation
Photo credit: Eva Kern
The Helmut Newton Foundation is located within the Museum für Fotografie. The Helmut Newton Foundation and the Museum of Photography are two separate but interconnected institutions located in the same building in Berlin. The foundation presents a permanent exhibition of Helmut Newton's work, who was born in Berlin, alongside temporary exhibitions featuring other prominent photographers. The gallery space is modern and well-curated, providing a comprehensive look at Newton's influential career and his impact on the world of fashion.
If you are a fan of black and white photography, beautiful muses, and glamorous fashion photography, this is the place to go!
Address: Jebensstraße 2, 10623 Berlin
Fotogalerie Friedrichshain
Close to the Warschauer Straße S-Bahn station, amidst the vibrant Berlin club scene including Berghain and others, lies a significant piece of photographic history: the Friedrichshain photo gallery!
Established in 1985, the Fotogalerie Friedrichshain is Berlin's oldest municipal photo gallery and was the first of its kind in the former East Germany (DDR) exclusively dedicated to photography. Located in Berlin-Friedrichshain, it has remained in its original location and has been managed by Kulturring in Berlin e.V. since 2002. The gallery is renowned for its focus on socially engaged and documentary photography.
Address: Helsingforser Pl. 1, 10243 Berlin
Camera Work
Photo credit: Eva Kern
Founded in 1997, Camera Work is one of Berlin's leading galleries for contemporary photography. The beautiful gallery, located in a courtyard in Berlin Charlottenburg, is known for its vintage and contemporary photographic masterpieces. The exhibitions at Camera Work are always of the highest quality and feature everything from classic black and white prints to cutting-edge digital works. You're sure to find your new favorite image on the two floors.
The current exhibition features the first solo show in Germany by US photographer Dean West, who shows aesthetic and sometimes grotesque scenes of suburban Florida.
Address: Kantstraße 149, 10623 Berlin
F³ – freiraum für fotografie
Photo credit: Heike Overberg
If you're strolling through Berlin's Kreuzberg district, don't miss F³ – freiraum für fotografie! F³ presents exhibitions by international photographers and photo artists. Directed by Katharina Mouratidi, f³ creates a photography space near Oranienplatz, inviting visitors to engage with current issues in the medium. The program includes renowned figures from photographic history as well as contemporary Berlin and international photo artists. Additionally, F3 offers a range of masterclasses that photography enthusiasts can participate in, focusing on topics like portrait photography or bookmaking. Enjoy your visit!
Address: Waldemarstraße 17, 10179 Berlin
Kicken Berlin
Photo credit: Kicken Berlin
Kicken Berlin is a prestigious gallery specializing in 20th and 21st-century photography. In 2019, Kicken Berlin relocated to its current address at Kaiserdamm 118, situated in the heart of Berlin-Charlottenburg. The gallery's collection features iconic works by photography masters and contemporary pieces that push the boundaries of the medium. Its program highlights numerous influential photographers dating back to the 19th century. However, the gallery's primary emphasis lies in the 20th century, particularly the German and Czech avant-garde movements of the 1920s and 1930s, alongside other notable figures in the field.
Currently, Kicken Berlin is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exhibition titled "50 Years | 50 Photographs." This exhibition presents a captivating selection curated by the German photographer and collector Wilhelm Schürmann, which is not to be missed.
Address: Kaiserdamm 118, 14057 Berlin
If you’re an arts lover, you should check our Instagram and TikTok as well. We hope that you’ll have fun exploring these beautiful places in Berlin. Let us know about your favorite photography museum in your city. 🖤
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