Leica Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation: A Century Through the Lens
- Luxe magazine Switzerland
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Updated: May 8
Leica Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation: A Century Through the Lens
In 2025, Leica Camera AG celebrates a defining moment in photographic history: the centennial of the Leica I. First unveiled at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925, the Leica I was the world’s first mass-produced 35mm camera, and it revolutionized photography with its compact format and unmatched precision. This milestone marks not only a technical breakthrough but also the birth of modern reportage, documentary, street, and fine art photography.
Swiss Celebrations: A Cultural Homage in Biel/Bienne
As part of its global centenary celebrations, Leica Switzerland will host a series of exceptional events during the Bieler Fototage (Biel Photo Days) from May 3 to 25, 2025, anchored in the cultural heart of Biel/Bienne home to Leica Camera AG Switzerland.
The highlight of the celebrations is the 100 Years Leica Anniversary Event on Saturday, May 10, held at Galerie La Poste (General-Dufour-Strasse 26, Biel) from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, including an elegant apéro. Guests will be welcomed by Gülten Rath, Managing Director of Leica Switzerland, and hear from luminaries such as Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of Leica Camera AG; Hans-Michael Koetzle, photo historian; Dominic Nahr, Swiss Press Photographer of 2024; and Reiner Holzemer, acclaimed documentary filmmaker. Stefan Daniel, VP of Photo & Design, will reflect on Leica’s most iconic innovations.
96 Hours Biel-Bienne: A Visual Poem by Phil Penman
From May 3, Galerie La Poste will feature “96 Hours Biel-Bienne”, a black-and-white photographic series by renowned New York Leica photographer Phil Penman. Over the course of 96 hours, Penman explored Biel with three Leica cameras, capturing the city’s streets, people, and energy in hauntingly beautiful monochrome images. Each morning at 5 AM, he set out to document candid moments and unique personalities, rendering a powerful tribute to urban life.
This exhibition is a collaboration between the REBL creative collective, WhiteWall, USM Modular Furniture, and Leica Camera Switzerland. The 46 prints curated and printed by WhiteWall are showcased in custom USM frames and available for purchase. The full project is also presented via the Leica Cine 1 Laser TV, integrated into USM-designed home cinema furniture, alongside a curated selection of Leica cameras.
Artist Talk & Afterparty at Kino Rex
Penman will conclude his residency with an in-depth artist talk on Thursday, May 29, at Kino Rex (Unterer Quai 92A, Biel), beginning at 5:00 PM. He will share insights into his process, his approach to black-and-white imagery, and the making of 96 Hours Biel-Bienne. An exclusive afterparty at Galerie La Poste follows the presentation.
Tickets: CHF 35
Exhibition Access & Special Offers
Admission to the Bieler Fototage exhibition costs CHF 25, with a CHF 10 discount voucher available online.
Anniversary Event on May 10: CHF 60
Leica Customer Care Experience
During Bieler Fototage, guests can enjoy a complimentary Check & Clean of their Leica cameras and a guided tour of Leica Switzerland’s in-house service workshop in Nidau one of the few Leica repair facilities worldwide.
Global Celebrations, Timeless Craftsmanship
The centennial is part of the broader Leica initiative, “100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century”, celebrated in cities like Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo. The festivities will culminate in June 2025 with an anniversary week in Wetzlar, Germany, and include landmark exhibitions at Leica Galleries worldwide.
For a full program and ticketing information, visit:
HOLDENER PATRICIA
Editor In Chief
LUXE MAGAZINE SWITZERLAND
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