Berlin is a city of photography: not only is it one of the most photographed cities, but there are also plenty of photos to see here.Galleries and exhibition spaces such as the Fotografiska, the Helmut Newton Museum of Photography and the C/O Gallery dedicate numerous exhibitions to the subject of photography. EMOP, Germany’s largest photography festival, also takes place in Berlin every two years. And, of course, you can also capture yourself perfectly in the capital. We have compiled the top 11 destinations for photography enthusiasts here.
Berlin is a city of photography: not only is the metropolis one of the most frequently photographed cities, but there are also many exciting photography exhibitions to see here. Galleries and exhibition spaces such as the Fotografiska, the Museum of Photography and the C/O Gallery dedicate numerous exhibitions to the subject of photography. And, of course, you can also capture yourself perfectly in the capital. We’ve put together the top 11 spots for photography enthusiasts here for you.
Tip: In our latest podcast episode, Berlin Unboxed, we take a closer look at Berlin’s photography scene. Join us behind the scenes at C/O, find out what makes a good photography exhibition, and discover what makes Berlin so unique as a source of inspiration for photographers worldwide.
Tip 1: Fotografiska in the historic Tacheles art centre
The Swedish photography museum Fotografiska has established its fourth branch (alongside Stockholm, New York and Tallinn) in Berlin’s former Tacheles art centre on Oranienburger Straße. In addition to photography exhibitions , the venue regularly hosts a variety of cultural events, including guided tours, discussions with artists, live music, performances, workshops and networking events. Young artists and photographers are also regularly showcased. The programme and open dialogue are intended to build on the tradition of the historic Tacheles Art House . In 1990 , an artists’ initiative saved the building, constructed around 1907, from demolition and used the premises as studios and for various art events until its clearance in 2012. Currently on display here are Anna Ehrenstein, James Nachtwey – Memoria, Diana Markosian – Father, and the LED installation Undula by Berlin-based artist Dagmar Schürrer, which lights up the façade of Fotografiska in the evenings.
Tip: With long opening hours, three bars and a stylish restaurant, Fotografiska is also a great place to kick off your night out in Berlin.
When: daily 10am–11pm
Where: Oranienburger Straße 60, Mitte
Tip 2: C/O Berlin – exhibitions exploring contemporary issues
The exhibition spaces at C/O Berlin in the Amerikahaus am 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 Leibovitz, Nan Goldin, Peter Lindbergh and Anton Corbijn have already shown their work here. The photographs themselves are often placed within a broader social context, with the medium and its development discussed across various formats. Until 10 June, you can see Graciela Iturbide – Eyes to Fly With, Dörte Eissfeldt – Archipelago, and, as part of the C/O Berlin Talent Award, the works of Sheung Yiu.
When: daily from 11am to 8pm
Where: Amerika-Haus, Hardenbergstraße 22–24, Charlottenburg
Tip 3: Museum of Photography – with a new permanent exhibition on Helmut Newton
The Museum of Photography is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for photography enthusiasts in Berlin. Following a two-month refurbishment, it reopens on 17 April 2026 with an exciting exhibition. New Women, New Visions showcases around 300 works by the pioneering women of Bauhaus photography.
The lower floor remains dedicated to the star and fashion photographer Helmut Newton, born in Berlin in 1920, and his wife June. Eight video projectors screen a film portrait of Newton, supplemented by previously unseen material, including Berlin interviews with numerous contemporary witnesses. Newton’s nearly 100 exhibition posters are complemented by posters from solo exhibitions by his wife June, alias Alice Springs. The legendary photographs remain on display, offering a fascinating insight into the development of fashion photography and the changing image of women in the Western world from the 1950s to the 21st century. Through large text panels featuring illustrated biographies, the new permanent exhibition ‘Intermezzo’ traces the life and work of Helmut and June Newton. The new series Spotlight: Behind the Frame focuses on a single photograph and its story.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 7pm
Where: Jebensstraße 2, Charlottenburg
Tip 4: Camera Work Gallery – Photography as an Art Form
Camera Work is one of the world’s leading galleries for photography and photographic art. Alongside works by renowned photographers such as Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and, of course, Helmut Newton, you’ll also find exhibitions by contemporary photographic 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 form.
The current exhibition, Peel Off, is dedicated to the Polaroid as an artistic medium. On display are 100 original, one-off pieces by international photography greats, including Helmut Newton, Rankin, Martin Schoeller and Esther Haase, with works ranging from fashion and portrait photography to nudes and conceptual pieces.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am – 6pm and by appointment (free entry)
Where: Kantstraße 149, Charlottenburg
Tip 5: Willi-Brandt-Haus – a piece of contemporary history
The SPD party headquarters in Kreuzberg is not only architecturally fascinating, but as an ‘open house’ also regularly hosts interesting photography and art exhibitions. The in-house collection comprises over 2,000 works of art dating from 1896 to the present day, including works by Otto Dix, George Grosz and Hans Ullmann. The building also regularly hosts interesting photography exhibitions. Currently on display are the winning entries from the international UNICEF Photo of the Year competition, the abstract photography from the 1982 East Berlin artists’ magazine Entweder/Oder, and the portraits by Stefan Hanke | KZ Überlebt. From 24 April, you can view the winners of the German Peace Prize for Photography.
Amateur photographers will also find a visit worthwhile thanks to the light-filled setting of the 25-metre-high atrium.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 noon – 6 pm
Where: Wilhelmstraße 140, Kreuzberg
Tip 6: f³ – freiraum – a space for author photography
The focus of freiraum in Kreuzberg is on author photography. Five to six exhibitions are presented here annually across over 200 square metres. The venue showcases both renowned figures from the history of photography and contemporary photographic artists from Berlin and around the world. Workshops for photographers take place regularly. Visitors are also invited to engage in discourse and exchange on the medium of photography within the current socio-political context . The organisers aim to highlight specific themes and aesthetic approaches in a world where we are inundated with images on a daily basis. Currently on display here is Edith Tudort-Hart: Crossing Lines.
Where: Prinzessinnenstraße 30, Kreuzberg
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 1 pm – 7 pm
Tip 7: Fotogalerie Friedrichshain – for the medium of photography and the local community
Founded in 1985 by two East Berlin art students, the Friedrichshain Photo Gallery has true pioneer status. At the time, there were hardly any galleries 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 Fotogalerie finally opened with an exhibition by Richard Peter, documenting the destruction of Dresden during the Second World War.
Although the two founders were forced to leave the Fotogalerie – partly due to political pressure – the concept proved a success. After the fall of the Berlin Wall , the gallery had to fight for its survival for a while. In collaboration with the Kulturring, however, the Galerie für Fotografie has managed to maintain a very special space for the medium of photography to this day – and, alongside exhibitions by renowned photographers, to establish a place for shared history and the local community. Currently on display here is the group exhibition ‘Vaterschaft’.
Where: Helsingforser Platz 1, Friedrichshain
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 2pm – 6pm; Thursday, 10am – 8pm
Tip 8: Gropius Bau – Photography and Contemporary Art
The Gropius Bau is one of Europe’s most important exhibition venues. At the same time, the Renaissance-style building is one of the most beautiful exhibition spaces in Berlin. It’s always worth a visit. The light-filled atrium alone, which is freely accessible and always surprises with oversized or large-scale installations, is an experience in itself – and is perfect for your own personal photo shoot. The venue showcases contemporary art across all disciplines, including, of course, photography. Currently on display is Peter Hujar / Liz Deschenes: Persistence of Vision, and from 15 April 2026, Marina Abramović: Balkan Erotic Epic. The Exhibition.
When: Wednesday to Monday, 11am – 7pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Where: Niederkirchner Straße 7, Kreuzberg
Tip 9: Kicken Berlin has been exhibiting photography since 1974
Anyone interested in photography as an art form should pop into Kicken Berlin. The gallery is one of the city’s key venues when it comes to the history and development of the medium. The focus is on 20th-century photography, particularly the German and Czech avant-garde of the 1920s and 30s. At the same time, the programme constantly surprises with exciting contrasts, ranging from iconic works by big names to anonymous snapshots or newly discovered artists. It is precisely this mix that makes it so appealing: here, photography, art history and new perspectives on the medium come together. An inspiring place for anyone who wants not just to see photography, but to understand it.
When: by appointment
Where: Kaiserdamm 118, Charlottenburg
Tip 10: Top photo spots in Berlin – put yourselves in the spotlight
If you’re now feeling inspired to pick up a camera yourself, we’ve put together a list of the best photo spots in Berlin for you. Because, apart from the major sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, Oberbaum Bridge and the TV Tower, Berlin has a whole host of other photo spots where you can capture yourself perfectly.
For all street art fans, we’ve put together a highlight featuring tours of the best spots and stories about the individual murals and artists on our ABOUT BERLIN app. Your digital city guide to Berlin’s history and stories.
Download now for free on Android and iOS
Tip 11: Spots for selfie fans
What would a blog for photography enthusiasts be without a few tips for anyone who enjoys taking photos themselves? With the Upside Down, the Ikono and the Aster 3D Trickart , Berlin boasts several selfie museums, but the Illuseum also offers plenty of unusual settings for your very own photo shoot. And at Madame Tussauds, you can pose with Darth Vader, Angela Merkel, as a Tatort detective or in the model area with Heidi Klum.
Madame Tussauds
When: Tuesday and Friday, 11am–6pm; Wednesday 10am–6pm; Thursday 10am–5pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am–6pm (closed on Mondays)
Where: Unter den Linden 74, Mitte
Extra tip: EMOP Berlin – Biennial European Month of Photography
To mark the European Month of Photography , a wide variety of institutions in Berlin and Potsdam showcase the full spectrum of historical and contemporary photography. Germany’s largest photography festival takes place every two years and presents exhibitions in major museums and small galleries, in outdoor spaces and in project spaces. Foreign cultural institutions and embassies are also involved. Participants are selected by a specialist jury from a large number of applicants. The next EMOP will take place in 2027.
You can find an overview of current photography exhibitions in Berlin in our events calendar.
