To celebrate the centenary of the launch of the Leica I camera, Leica is hosting a global series of events under the theme A Century of Leica: Witness to History, with the China leg taking place at the Shanghai Postal Museum featuring the Witness of the Century: When Leica Meets China exhibition, running until August 25, 2025. This exhibition not only showcases a variety of precious antique cameras and lenses but also presents works spanning a century from both Chinese and international photographers, highlighting the cultural exchanges and transformations of the era through the lens of Leica.
Leica has chosen the Shanghai Post Museum as its venue, a nod to the historical coincidence that both the launch of the Leica I camera and the completion of the Post Office building occurred in 1925. The museum features four main exhibition areas: Exquisite Items Exhibition Area showcases classic models and limited edition cameras from the brand’s history; Craftsmanship Workshop reveals the meticulous craftsmanship of Leica, displaying cut lenses and design blueprints; LFI Archive recreates selected covers from LFI magazine, highlighting the brand’s visual culture; and in Centennial Imagery, curated by Professor Gu Zheng, works from various international photographers converge, embodying the profound dialogue between Leica and Chinese visual aesthetics.
The exhibition lineup features early Leica photographer Jin Shisheng, image critic Wu Jialin, Pulitzer Prize winner Liu Xiangcheng, Leica Hall of Fame member Steve McCurry, Japanese photographer Ueda Yoshihiro, and emerging photographers Li Qi and Li Xiaoliang, among others. It also presents for the first time personal photographic works created by celebrity photographers Luo Yunxi, Xiao Zhan, Tan Songyun, and Zhang Yandong, showcasing a fresh interpretation of photography by contemporary Leica users.
The exhibition opening ceremony will take place on the evening of July 25, featuring several high-ranking officials from Leica’s headquarters in Germany and the Greater China region. Notable attendees include Chairman of the Supervisory Board Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, CEO Matthias Harsch, and Managing Director for the Greater China Region Siegmund Dukek. Kaufmann emphasized: The centennial celebration is not just a tribute to history; it’s a forward-looking vision. Leica aims to lead the way in the realm of imaging through its technical prowess and innovative spirit..
During the exhibition, Leica Fans Festival will feature multiple photographers sharing their Leica photography journeys, along with master classes that allow attendees to dive deep into the brand’s history and product evolution. Visitors can also head over to the souvenir area created in collaboration with Swiss furniture brand USM, where they can purchase limited-edition items and custom display cabinets designed specifically for the centennial exhibit.
Witness of the Century: When Leica Meets China
Opening hours: From July 26, 2025, to August 25, 2025, daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
Exhibition address: Shanghai Postal Museum, No. 250, North Suzhou Road, Hongkou District
Go to WeChat mini program Leica World to make a free reservation for the exhibition and sign up for activities.
