The Photographers’ Gallery — Capturing the World in Focus

A Landmark for Photography Lovers

Tucked just off Oxford Street in London’s vibrant Soho, The Photographers’ Gallery is the UK’s foremost centre for photography.
Founded in 1971, it was the first public gallery in Britain dedicated entirely to the photographic image.

Today, it remains a creative hub where artists, audiences, and ideas come together — celebrating photography as art, history, and social commentary.

A Vision Through the Lens

Since its founding by Sue Davies OBE, the gallery has championed photographers from around the world, giving visibility to both established and emerging talent.
Its mission is simple yet powerful: to explore how photography shapes the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

Over the decades, it has exhibited icons like Helmut Newton, Andreas Gursky, and Vivian Maier, while continuing to support experimental and documentary work.

Exploring The Photographers’ Gallery
1. Main Exhibitions

The gallery’s six floors host a dynamic rotation of exhibitions — from historic prints to cutting-edge digital media.
Visitors can experience everything from 19th-century pioneers to contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of photography today.
In addition, the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize exhibition highlights the best in global photographic practice each year.

2. Digital and Interactive Spaces

Beyond the walls, The Photographers’ Gallery embraces the digital age.
Its Media Wall showcases video art, AI projects, and interactive installations exploring photography’s evolving form.
Therefore, it’s not just about images — it’s about ideas, innovation, and connection.

3. Bookshop and Café

The bookshop is a paradise for photography lovers, offering rare prints, photobooks, and journals.
Meanwhile, the café provides a welcoming space to pause, reflect, and discuss — overlooking the creative buzz of Soho.

Learn more at the official Photographers’ Gallery website

A Platform for New Perspectives

The gallery also supports education and outreach, hosting workshops, talks, and events that bring photography to life.
It champions diversity, storytelling, and social impact — showing that photography is not only an art form, but also a voice for change.

Furthermore, its open approach invites everyone, from professionals to newcomers, to see the world through fresh eyes.

Visiting The Photographers’ Gallery
How to Get There

Address: 16–18 Ramillies Street, London W1F 7LW

By Tube: Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo, Victoria lines) is a 3-minute walk.

By Bus: Routes 7, 10, 25, 55, and 98 stop nearby.

By Car: Limited parking; public transport recommended.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily, 10am–6pm. Entry is free; ticketed exhibitions available.

Facilities

Bookshop and café

Free Wi-Fi

Lift access to all floors

Guided tours and educational programs

Nearby Attractions

The Photographers’ Bookshop (inside the gallery): Rare and collectible titles.

Royal Academy of Arts: Major exhibitions of painting and sculpture.

The Wallace Collection: Decorative arts and old masters nearby.

Soho and Carnaby Street: Lively dining and shopping scene.

Together, they form an inspiring West End Art and Culture Trail.

Why Visit The Photographers’ Gallery?

The Photographers’ Gallery celebrates photography as more than just pictures — it’s a way of seeing, questioning, and understanding the world.
Every exhibition, from portraits to photojournalism, tells a story that connects the personal with the universal.

Whether you’re a photographer, art lover, or curious visitor, you’ll find inspiration in the diversity of vision on display.

It’s not just a gallery — it’s a lens through which life itself comes into focus.