Berlin is a city of photography: The metropolis is not only one of the most photographed cities, there are also many photos to see here.Galleries and exhibition spaces such as the Fotografiska, the Helmut Newton Museum for Photography or the C/O Gallery dedicate numerous exhibitions to the subject of photography. The EMOP, Germany's largest photography festival, also takes place in Berlin every two years. And, of course, you can also stage yourself perfectly in the capital. We have put together the top 11 addresses for photography enthusiasts for you here.
Tip: In our latest Podcast episode Berlin Unboxed, we focus on Berlin's photography scene. Take a look behind the scenes of the C/O, find out what makes a good photo exhibition and what makes Berlin so unique as a source of inspiration for photographers worldwide.
Tip 1: C/O Berlin - exhibitions on contemporary issues
The exhibition spaces at C/O Berlin in the Amerikahaus at the Zoo are primarily dedicated to 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 social context and the medium and its development are discussed in various formats. Until 7. You can see "A World in Common - Contemporary African Photgraphy" here until 7 May, "Sam Youkilis - Under The Sun" and the works of Siliva Rosi will be shown as part of the C/O Berlin Talent Award.
When: daily 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Amerika-Haus, Hardenbergstraße 22-24, Charlottenburg
Tip 2: Helmut Newton Foundation - Museum of Photography
The Museum of Photography is certainly one of the top addresses for photography enthusiasts in Berlin. The two lower floors are dedicated to the star and fashion photographer Helmut Newton, who was born in Berlin in 1920, and his work. In addition to his photographs from various 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.
The first floor is home to changing exhibitions on the subject of photography. Until 27 July 2025, you can see Polaroids here.
When: Tuesday to Sunday 11am - 7pm
Where: Jebensstraße 2, Charlottenburg
Tip 3: EMOP Berlin - Biennale European Month of Photography
During the European Month of Photography, various institutions in Berlin and Potsdam showcase 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. The participants are selected from a large number of applicants by a jury of experts.
These current EMOP exhibitions show Berlin photography:
- Will McBride - The Berlin Years from 1 March to 1 June 2025 at the Bröhan Museum, Schlossstraße 1 a, Charlottenburg
- Pixels of Concrete - The Digitisation of the Cityscape from 12 March to 15 June 2025 at the Landesarchiv Berlin, Schlossstraße a, Charlottenburg. June 2025 at the Landesarchiv Berlin, Eichborndamm 115 - 121, Reinickendorf
- Duet of Modernism. Visions for Reconstruction in a Divided City from 7 March to 14 September 2025 at the Mitte Museum, Pankstraße 47, Mitte
When: March 2025
Where: anywhere in Berlin
Tip 3: Camera Work Gallery - photography as an art format
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 photographic artists represented by Camera Work. The aim is to present the past and present of photography as well as to help shape the future of this art format.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am - 6pm and by appointment (admission free)
Where: Kantstraße 149, Charlottenburg
Tip 5: Fotografiska in the historic Kunsthaus Tacheles
The Swedish photography museum Fotografiska will open its fourth branch (alongside Stockholm, New York and Tallinn) in Berlin's former Kunsthaus Tacheles on Oranienburger Straße. In addition to photo exhibitions, a diverse cultural programme is planned to build on the tradition of the historic Kunsthaus Tacheles. In 1990, an artists' initiative saved the building, which was constructed around 1907, from demolition and used the premises as studios and for various art events until it was vacated in 2012.
When: daily 10 am - 11 pm
Where: Oranienburger Straße 60, Mitte
Tip 6: Willi-Brandt-Haus - a piece of contemporary history
The SPD party headquarters in Kreuzberg is not only architecturally exciting, but as an "open house" it also regularly hosts interesting photo and art exhibitions. The in-house collection comprises over 2500 works of art dating from 1896 to the present day. For amateur photographers, a visit is also worthwhile due to the light-flooded backdrop of the 25 metre high atrium. Tip: The bistro "Willy's" is not only open to employees but also to guests of the building (Monday to Thursday, 9 - 11.30 am).
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 - 6 pm
Where: Wilhelmstraße 140, Kreuzberg
Tip 7: f³ - freiraum - ein Ort für Autor:innenfotografie
The focus of freiraum in Kreuzberg is on author:interior photography. Five to six exhibitions are presented here every year on over 200 square metres. Workshops for photographers are held regularly. In addition, the medium of photography in the current socio-political context is invited to discuss and exchange ideas. The organisers' aim is to set content-related and aesthetic accents in a world in which we are flooded with images every day.
Where: Waldemarstraße 17, Kreuzberg
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 1 - 7 pm
More galleries and exhibition spaces in Berlin
Tip 8: Fotogalerie Friedrichshain - for the medium of the image and the neighbourhood community
Founded in 1985 by two East Berlin art students, the Fotogalerie Friedrichshain has true pioneer status. At the time, there was hardly a gallery in the whole of Germany that focussed 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 opened with an exhibition by Richard Peter documenting the destruction of Dresden during the Second World War.
Although the two founders had to leave the photo gallery - partly due to political pressure - the concept was 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 photography to this day - and to establish a place for shared history and neighbourhood community in addition to exhibitions by renowned photographers.
Where: Helsingforser Platz 1, Friedrichshain
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 2pm - 6pm, Thursday, 10am - 8pm
More about Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Tip 9: Gropius Bau - photography and contemporary art
The Gropius Bau is one of the most important exhibition centres in Europe. The Renaissance-style building is also one of the most beautiful exhibition venues in Berlin. It is always worth a visit. The light-flooded atrium alone, which is freely accessible and always surprises with oversized or expansive installations, is an experience in itself - and is perfect for your personal photo shoot. On display is contemporary art from all genres and, of course, photography. You can currently see Yoko Ono - Music of the Mind.
When: Wednesday to Monday, 11am - 7pm (closed Tuesday)
Where: Niederkirchner Straße 7, Kreuzberg
Tip 10: Top photo spots in Berlin - where photography enthusiasts can put themselves in the spotlight
If you've now got the urge to pick up the camera yourself, we've put together the best photo spots in Berlin for you. Because apart from the major sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, Oberbaum Bridge and TV Tower, Berlin has a whole host of other photo spots where you can get the perfect shot.
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 it now for free for Android and iOS
Tip 11: Places for selfie fans - Go to the Instagram studio or post with Heidi Klum
What would a blog for photo enthusiasts be without a few tips for anyone who likes to take their own photos. With the Upside Down, Studio of Wonders (only until 4. May), the Ikono, the Paradox and the Aster 3D Trickart Berlin has several Selfie museums, but also in the Illuseum there are many unusual settings for your very own personal photo shoot. And at Madame Tussauds you can pose with Darth Wader, Angela Merkel, as a Tatort detective or in the modelling area with Heidi Klum.
Madame Tussauds
When: Tuesday and Friday, 11am - 6pm, Wednesday 10am - 6pm, Thursday 10am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 6pm (closed Monday)
Where: Unter den Linden 74, Mitte
