About
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."
Lyrics from 'Nature Boy'
written by eden ahbez
performed by Nat King Cole
Capitol Records, 1948
Triennial of Photography Hamburg
History and idea of the festival
The Triennial of Photography Hamburg is an internationally acclaimed photography festival held every three years in collaboration with the city’s major museums, exhibition venues, and cultural institutions. Initiated in 1999 by German collector and photographer F.C. Gundlach, the festival has grown into one of Germany’s most significant photography events.
Each edition centres around a distinct curatorial concept, developed by rotating artistic leaderships. The exhibitions engage with highly topical issues and are accompanied by an extensive supporting programme featuring international and interdisciplinary symposia, artist talks, panels, lectures, and portfolio reviews.
The Artistic Director of the 9th Triennial of Photography Hamburg 2026 is Prof. Dr. Mark Sealy. The 8th Triennial in 2022 was led by Artistic Director Koyo Kouoh, while the 7th Triennial in 2018 was curated by Krzysztof Candrowicz.
9th Triennial of Photography Hamburg 2026
The 9th Triennial of Photography Hamburg will take place from June 5 to September 22, 2026.
The Opening Days are planned for the period from June 4 to 14, 2026.
Eleven exhibitions will be organised at eight renowned Hamburg partner institutions as part of the Triennial. Conceptually, all exhibitions are based on the central theme: Alliance, Infinity, Love - in the Face of the Other.
The Deichtorhallen Hamburg with the Hall for Contemporary Art, the PHOXXI – Temporary House of Photography, the F.C Gundlach Collection and the Falckenberg Collection; the Bucerius Kunst Forum; the Hamburger Kunsthalle; the Kunsthaus Hamburg; the Kunstverein Hamburg; the MARKK – Museum am Rothenbaum. World Cultures and Arts; the Museum of Work as well as the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg are host venues.
Alliance, Infinity, Love – in the Face of the Other
Curatorial Concept of the 9th Triennial of Photography Hamburg 2026
The 9th Triennial of Photography Hamburg 2026, titled Alliance, Infinity, Love – in the Face of the Other, celebrates the creative potential of Alliance, Infinity, and Love, while calling for responsibility towards the Other.
The festival seeks to amplify a broad spectrum of photographic voices —established and emerging, visible and overlooked— that challenge dominant narratives, reclaim forgotten perspectives, and foster dialogue across social and cultural divides.
