The Museum of Photography Braunschweig
Photos: Lina-Maiken Preuß
The Museum of Photography Braunschweig showcases international contemporary photography and presents important photographic positions from the second half of the 20th and the first decades of the 21st century. Within the current debate surrounding the medium, the museum also promotes emerging talents from academic contexts. For more than ten years, this has included the presentation of the Wüstenrot Foundation's "Documentary Photography Advancement Awards." As a forum for discussion, the Museum of Photography illuminates current artistic practices of the medium by examining its historical, social, and aesthetic uses, as well as its contemporary role in the media.
In addition to contemporary aspects of photography, the museum regularly presents exhibitions and participates in exhibitions of its collection, which includes 19th-century photography and estates such as that of Käthe Buchler (1876–1930), among others. The museum's holdings of estates relating to contemporary photographic history include the estate of Nikolas Geyer (1968–2004), which was bequeathed to the museum by his family. Furthermore, the museum's collection includes works by important representatives of international photographic art.
The museum was founded in 1984 by photographers from Braunschweig who sought to establish a forum for exchanging ideas about photographic images. For 40 years now, the question of contemporary perspectives on photography has been the subject of lively debate within the association, which is supported by its members. Accompanying events such as guided tours, artist talks, readings, and film screenings further explore and complement aspects of the presented works. A wide range of educational programs, especially for children and school groups, as well as exhibition catalogs and annual publications, round out the offerings.
The Museum of Photography is a registered, non-profit association with over 160 members. Its diverse activities are made possible through financial support from the City of Braunschweig, the State of Lower Saxony, and grants from cultural foundations and sponsorships. Membership fees, donations, and admission charges also enable our work and provide the museum with essential moral support.