Museum of Photography — Attraction in Berlin

The June Newton exhibition at the Berlin Museum für Fotografie offers a captivating journey through the lens of an iconic photographer. June Newton, also known as Alice Springs, demonstrates a mastery of portraiture that spans decades. The collection showcases her ability to capture the essence of her subjects, whether they are renowned celebrities or everyday individuals.

One striking aspect of the exhibition is Newton's ability to convey the humanity and vulnerability of her subjects. Her use of lighting and composition creates intimate and authentic portraits that reveal the depth of each person's character. The diversity of subjects adds richness to the narrative, offering a glimpse into the socio-cultural landscape of the times.

The exhibition layout is thoughtfully curated, guiding visitors through the evolution of June Newton's work. From her early career to later, more experimental pieces, viewers witness the photographer's growth and adaptability. The museum's commitment to contextualizing the photographs enhances the overall experience, providing valuable insights into the artist's life and influences.

Overall, the June Newton exhibition is a testament to the enduring power of portraiture. It immerses visitors in the world of a gifted photographer whose lens captured the beauty and complexity of the human spirit. A must-see for photography enthusiasts and anyone appreciative of the art of storytelling...

Total waste of money. The curation gives a good idea why photography is generally struggling to justify itself as a form of high art in the institution. The poor excuse of a temporary exhibition called "Between Art & Fashion" was neither worthy to use the words "art" or "fashion", nor should it be allowed to be shown outside of small galleries as the eventhough mayor names of the photographic history were represented, the selection itself was unworthy and naive. Save yourself the energy even if you are a Helmut Newton fan, as the permanent collection of private items is just on the level of laughing matter. One would expect that the Stiftung would at least show an a somewhat minimally satisfying glimpse into Newtons work for the audiences like it does with travelling exhibitions. The fact that using your camera inside the museum should maybe be somewhat of a philosophical statement, but in my opinion it is only enforced in order to keep the general public from knowing about the amature level of the museum. If you are somewhat serious about art, or even art photography do yourself the favour to avoid this lovely institution, which should feel ashamed for calling themselves a museum or that they dare to add the insult "für Fotografie" to their name....

The museum was a deeply disappointing experience. While it is well-maintained, its focus on Newton’s photography feels like a blemish on Berlin’s otherwise progressive cultural scene. Newton's work, which he claimed to challenge objectification and support women’s rights, often comes across as superficial, objectifying, and deeply rooted in a patriarchal gaze. His legacy is further tainted by his lawsuit against a women’s magazine that criticized his work for its sexism and racism—an action that underscores the problematic nature of his claims to progressiveness.

The museum itself owes its existence to the Helmut Newton Stiftung, which he established and funded during his lifetime. This financial backing likely explains why such a divisive figure continues to dominate the space.

Overall, this museum feels like a stark reminder of how wealth and influence can cement a legacy, even one as controversial as Newton’s. For a city as dynamic as Berlin, this institution seems more like an embarrassment than a...