100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century

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Leica Camera is proud to present 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century in partnership with the Meatpacking BID. This full day of interactive arts and culture events will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the iconic Leica I camera—the first 35mm mass-produced camera introduced in 1925.

To honor this legacy of groundbreaking innovation, Leica is hosting a series of events on Saturday, May 3rd. This vibrant event will take place in the heart of New York City, spanning 13th Street and Gansevoort Plaza, bringing together photography enthusiasts, artists, and creatives to experience the intersection of history, innovation, and culture. Leica has brought together world-renowned photographers such as Bruce Davidson, Mark Mann, Bil Brown, Ralph Gibson, Mynxii White, Cheriss May, and many more to mark the occasion.

Schedule:
Leitz Photographica Auction Preview
Saturday, May 3rd, 10am-6pm
Leica Gallery Pop-Up, 405 W 13th Street
The official auction house of Leica Camera AG specializes in vintage Leica products and is presenting the Leica 0-Series No.112, one of the few surviving prototypes of the Leica I, and a rare version of the Leica M3 with serial number 700,000. As milestones in the history of photography and trailblazers of photojournalism, they are now coveted collector’s items. The Leica Gallery Pop-Up will also present a collection of 100 legendary images. For a century, Leica cameras have been at the front lines of history, capturing some of the world’s most defining moments. From wartime frontline journalism to groundbreaking cultural milestones, this exhibit showcases images taken by the world’s most renowned photographers that have shaped our collective memory.

Leica 100 Years: Witness to a Century Celebration
Saturday, May 3rd, 12pm-5pm
Gansevoort Plaza, 38 Gansevoort Street
The Leica 100 Years: Witness to a Century celebration invites guests to partake in the history and evolution of Leica’s legacy. This public celebration will showcase the development of Leica cameras and their enduring influence on the world of photography through immersive experiences happening over the course of the first Saturday in May. Event highlights include:

• Leica Historical Timeline
  Walk through key formative moments from 1925 to present, featuring Leica’s history and manufacturing. From the unveiling of new cameras to headquarter expansions and monumental moments in time—this timeline is a reflection of what makes Leica special.
• Ernst Leitz Museum
  This museum is an offshoot of the original at Leica’s global headquarters in Wetzlar, Germany. It explores Leica’s rich history and groundbreaking design, and innovation. Discover legendary cameras that shaped photography, from the 1925 Leica I, which popularized 35mm film, to today’s cutting-edge Leica M11-P.
• Leica x Mark Mann Portrait Studio
  A unique opportunity to have your portrait taken by the acclaimed portrait photographer, Mark Mann. Captured with a Leica SL3, each portrait will be printed on the spot, providing guests with a personalized memento.
• Art Wall & Graffiti by Stash
  Immerse yourself in the electrifying world of street art as the renowned artist Stash brings his dynamic graffiti to life, transforming train doors into moving masterpieces. Witness the fusion of photography and street art, as Stash’s bold, vibrant designs interact with Leica’s legacy of creative freedom. Engage with the live art process or simply admire the powerful transformation as Stash creates a striking visual narrative on train doors, turning everyday transportation into a canvas for artistic expression.
• Digital Darkroom Experience
  Witness the magic of analog photography in action. This darkroom experience brings prints to life—just as Leica has done for 100 years. Discover the world of traditional film photography in the DSI Darkroom, guided by world-class educators.
• Photo Slam with Bil Brown
  Led by the distinguished photographer and poet Bil Brown, participants are invited to an exclusive “Photo Slam” event in the Meatpacking District. This gathering offers a platform for attendees to showcase and discuss their photographic work. Much like a traditional poetry slam—where poets perform original works before an audience that evaluates their performances—a photo slam invites photographers to present their images in a dynamic, interactive setting.
• Leica Akademie
  Leica Akademie North America proudly carries on Leica’s storied tradition of photographic education through immersive, hands-on workshops offered in cities across the continent. We’re pleased to share that members of the Leica Akademie team will be available to answer your questions, offer insights into the history of our legendary cameras and products, share details about upcoming classes and the Akademie schedule, and welcome you into the inspiring world of Leica.
• Café Leitz Coffee Truck
  Stop by our Cafe Truck, fashioned after the Café Leitz in Wetzlar. Enjoy casual networking over coffee, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage in dynamic discussions about photography, art, and technology. Complimentary beverages and custom Leica chocolates will be available all weekend.

Additional notable events happening at Leica Store & Gallery New York:

100 YEARS OF LEICA Exhibition featuring Bruce Davidson and Sara Messinger
Thursday, May 1st – Sunday, June 15th
Leica Store and Gallery Meatpacking District NYC, 406 W 13th Street
To celebrate this centenary, Leica is embracing heritage with a special concept that fosters a conversation between photography of the past and present. The New York Exhibition, In Conversation: A Photographic Dialogue Between Yesterday and Today, will showcase the work of Leica Hall of Fame winner, Bruce Davidson, and renowned artist Sara Messinger, spotlighting Leica’s transformative influence on the world of photography. Visitors to Leica Store & Gallery New York will experience the enduring legacy of Leica and how these photographers have left a lasting impression on the community. The exhibition will be open to the public starting on May 1st through June 15th, 2025. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 1st from 6pm to 8pm. RSVP Here!

Through Their Eyes with Leica Ambassador Mynxii White
Saturday, May 3rd, 12pm-5pm
Celebrate a century of storytelling, innovation, and community with Leica Camera at Through Their Eyes: 100 Years of Leica—a dynamic activation featuring live photography, intimate interviews and live video testimonials with Mynxii White. This activation invites guests to participate, connect, and engage with Leica’s rich legacy while inspiring the next generation of creators by sharing their own Leica stories.

Aperture Library
Saturday, May 3rd, 12pm-5pm
Leica invites you to experience the exclusive presentation of the Aperture Library Presented by Leica. Explore newly released and classic titles that reflect the long-standing partnership between photography’s premier publisher and Leica Camera. The photo book is an essential part of our medium’s history. Hold, discover, and share the moments that have made up our visual culture and discover new voices that are shaping history now. A special Aperture led panel discussion will happen at 3:30pm in the upstairs library of the Leica Store NY.

Cameras & Coffee with Brandon Ruffin
Saturday, May 3rd, 12pm-2pm
Join artist Brandon Ruffin for a community-based inclusive meet-up, bringing people together around a shared love for photography and coffee. Enjoy a coffee at Café Leitz while networking with fellow creatives and find inspiration within the neighborhood. Meetups will take place at Leica Store & Gallery New York.

ONE-OFF EVENTS- Saturday, May 3rd  (RSVP Here)!
100 Years of Leica – Bird Watching In The City
100 Years of Leica – Discover The Leica M. Photo Walk
100 Years of Leica – Artist talk with Susan Meiselas and J. Sybylla Smith
100 Years of Leica – Street Portraiture With Gajan Balan Photo Walk
100 Years of Leica – Photo Slam With Bil Brown
100 Years of Leica – The Role of the PhotoBook in Contemporary Culture

RSVP Below!