
Top Event
An iconic retrospective of fashion photography
Rico Puhlmann: Berlin / New York captures the glamour, complexity and evolution of fashion across
decades. This exhibition, running from 27 June 2025 to 15 February 2026 at
the Museum für Fotografie, offers a captivating look at the life and
legacy of one of the most influential fashion photographers of the 20th
century. Puhlmann's work vividly chronicles the fashion zeitgeist in post-war
Berlin and later in New York City – two cities that shaped and were shaped by
his iconic lens.
decades. This exhibition, running from 27 June 2025 to 15 February 2026 at
the Museum für Fotografie, offers a captivating look at the life and
legacy of one of the most influential fashion photographers of the 20th
century. Puhlmann's work vividly chronicles the fashion zeitgeist in post-war
Berlin and later in New York City – two cities that shaped and were shaped by
his iconic lens.
Rico Puhlmann – Berlin / New York at a glance
Born in 1934, Puhlmann was a visionary who bridged
the worlds of fashion, beauty and cultural identity. He started out as a
child actor before transitioning to become a celebrated fashion illustrator
and later a globally renowned fashion photographer. His work graced
the covers of esteemed magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Petra and GQ,
capturing iconic images that celebrated, critiqued and redefined fashion
aesthetics.
This exhibit presents a retrospective of Puhlmann's
work in vivid detail. Evolving trends and cultural narratives, from the
legendary Berlin chic of the post-war era to the American
sportswear movement of the 1970s, are visually documented in his
photographs. The collection is a reflection of the human experience and the
way we approach beauty, identity and shifting gender roles.
Rico Puhlmann – Berlin / New York highlights
- Post-war era Berlin chic: Witness the rebirth of Berlin
fashion, its courage and style emerging from a city in recovery.
- 1970s New York sportswear: Discover the laid-back yet energetic
spirit of New York City during one of its most exciting fashion periods.
- Portraits and fashion icons: Explore the
evolving portrayal of models and fashion icons who became household names
through Puhlmann's work. Evolution of gender identity in fashion: Puhlmann
documented the changing ideals of masculinity and femininity, marking
significant shifts in how society perceived gender. Behind the lens: The photographer's collaboration
with editors, stylists and make-up artists reveals the complex, often hidden
network that makes an iconic image possible.
Discover Rico Puhlmann – Berlin / New York
Puhlmann's photography career spanned over four
decades, and during this time, he reshaped the visual landscape of fashion.
His images told stories about cultural shifts and the social undercurrents shaping the decades. The post-war Berlin photographs highlight a city
striving for reinvention, resilience and glamour despite the challenges of
recovery. The New York collections illustrate the rise of individualism,
street culture and the bold redefinitions of beauty and identity.
His work offers a unique opportunity to understand
the collaborative nature of fashion photography in the pre-digital age, when
every image had to be perfect, as there were no second chances or retouching
software. Puhlmann's meticulous approach gives insight into the creativity,
vision and craft of a photographer who shaped global perceptions of style.
Top tips for Rico Puhlmann – Berlin / New York
- Tickets can be purchased online through the website of the
Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Discounts are available for students,
seniors and visitors with disabilities – be sure to bring valid
identification.
- The Museum für Fotografie is conveniently accessible via public
transport. Take the underground to Kurfürstendamm or the S-Bahn to
Zoologischer Garten and walk just a few minutes to reach the venue.
- Parking in the area is quite limited, so public transport is highly
recommended.
- The museum is fully accessible, with lifts and accessible
restrooms available for those with mobility needs.
Additional information
Opening hours
Mon closed
Tue - Fri 10:00 - 18:00
Sat + Sun 11:00 - 18:00