Triennial of Photography Hamburg
Initiated in 1999 by collector and photographer F. C. Gundlach, the Triennial of Photography has taken place every three years in Hamburg, growing into one of the most significant photography festivals in Germany and enjoying international acclaim. In collaboration with the city's major museums, exhibition spaces, galleries, and cultural institutions, the festival brings together a large number of exhibitions under a common theme, accompanied by an international symposium featuring artist talks, lectures, portfolio reviews, and an international conference. Each edition of the Triennial is shaped by a different artistic director, bringing a fresh perspective to the festival's theme. Past editions have taken place in 2018 and 2022.
2026 Highlights
The 9th Triennial of Photography Hamburg runs from 5 June to 22 September 2026, opening with a ceremony at Deichtorhallen Hamburg on 4 June, followed by Opening Days from 4 to 14 June.
This edition is led by London-based curator and author Mark Sealy, Director of Autograph ABP since 1991 and Professor for Photography, Race, and Rights at the University of the Arts London. The recipient of an OBE in 2022, Sealy has dedicated his career to decolonising the Western gaze and amplifying marginalised voices in international photography.
The festival theme is Alliance, Infinity, Love — in the Face of the Other. Drawing on the 1948 song Nature Boy and the writings of philosopher Emmanuel Levinas, the theme positions photography not as a neutral tool of documentation, but as an intimate companion — a medium for sharing the wonderful, the vulnerable, and the deeply human, and a space for encounter and critical reflection. The festival aims to bring a broad spectrum of photographic voices into view, challenging dominant narratives and building bridges across social and cultural divides.
For updates and information, visit the official website.
Dates:
5 June – 22 September 2026
Location:
Deichtorhallen Hamburg and venues across the city
