Until next 11 January 2026, the Sala Polivalente of the Teatro Fernán-Gómez.Centro Cultural de la Villa de Madrid hosts the exhibition Leica. A century of photography 1925-2025, curated by Karin Rehn-Kaufmann.
The iconic German camera brand Leica celebrates its centenary with a photo exhibition that presents the milestones of photography in the last hundred years, from the birth of photojournalism to the democratization of the image thanks to portability, reliability and accuracy of Leica cameras.
With the Leica I, introduced in 1925, a new era began: photographers could work quickly, discreetly and right at the centre of events. The most iconic images of the 20th century would be unthinkable without it: war reports, street scenes, intimate portraits… 100 years of Leica means 100 years of history, art and emotion told through iconic photographs that move and connect, explains Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Art Director Leica Gallery International and curator of the exhibition.
The exhibition brings together more than 170 unforgettable photographs, as well as a selection of classic cameras and documents that illustrate the brand’s deep imprint in global photography. Leica offers a visual journey that addresses universal themes such as women, crisis, nature and people.
In the words of the commissioner, “we wanted to show not only the most famous and iconic photographs, but also personal moments, surprising and full of intimacy. Our selection is not strictly chronological, but follows an emotional thread. We are looking for images that tell a story, that make the magic of the Leica look tangible across decades, genres and viewpoints. The Leica camera is a tool, yes, but it’s the people behind it who shape the moment. That’s why we focus on the unique visual voice of each photographer”.
The exhibition also includes unpublished material from the brand, showing a selection of classic cameras such as Leica I (1925) and Leica II (1932), as well as historical material illustrating the technological and aesthetic evolution of Leica during this century. An invitation to photographers, fans and the general public to immerse themselves in a journey through the history and future of a brand that has witnessed and narrated a century of images that are part of the collective imagination.
