Aug 19, 2026

World Photography Day: Must-visit galleries around the world

Aanya Mehta

Finnish Museum of Photography, Helsinki, Finland

The Finnish Museum of Photography is dedicated to Finnish and international photography, showcasing historical photographs alongside contemporary practices. It is an especially interesting destination for discovering Nordic photographers and the changing role of photography in society.

Source: official website

Foam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam is dedicated entirely to photography, presenting everything from documentary and fashion photography to historical and contemporary work. Its programme combines exhibitions by internationally recognised photographers with shows highlighting emerging talent.

Source: wikimedia commons

Gallery of Photography, Dublin, Ireland

Dublin's Gallery of Photography is one of Ireland's dedicated spaces for the medium, presenting exhibitions, talks and photographic projects. It provides a platform for both established and emerging photographers while encouraging visitors to engage with photography as an art form.

Source: wikimedia commons

Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation, Paris, France

Dedicated to the legacy of legendary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, this Paris institution presents exhibitions centred on photography and related visual practices. It also places his work in conversation with other photographers, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in documentary and street photography.

Source: wikimedia commons

International Center of Photography, New York, USA

The International Center of Photography (ICP) is one of the world's leading institutions devoted to photography. Its collection contains more than 200,000 prints and related materials, covering everything from early photographic processes to contemporary work, with major archives including those of Robert Capa and Gerda Taro.

Source: wikimedia commons

Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts, Japan

Set in the mountain resort of Kiyosato, this museum is devoted to photography and has a particularly strong focus on young photographers and contemporary photographic expression. Its collection and exhibitions offer a different perspective on the medium beyond the traditional European and American canon.

Source: wikimedia commons

Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Paris, France

Paris's Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) focuses exclusively on photography, with a collection spanning international photography from the 1950s to today. Its exhibitions bring together celebrated photographers and contemporary image-makers, making it an essential stop for photography lovers.

Source: wikimedia commons

Photo Elysée, Lausanne, Switzerland

Located in Lausanne, Photo Elysée is a museum devoted to photography and its history. Its programme ranges from major historical figures to contemporary artists, while its exhibitions explore photography as both an artistic medium and a way of documenting the world.

Source: wikimedia commons

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