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Discover 19th-Century Travel and Expedition Photography: The World in Focus at ALBERTINA Museum

Explore historical visual documentation of industrialization and global exploration through works from the museum's collection.

Immerse yourself in 'The World in Focus' at the ALBERTINA Museum, an exhibition dedicated to 19th-century travel and expedition photography. This compelling display chronicles how the nascent medium documented a rapidly changing world. View impressive images capturing diverse landscapes and cultures, from the Alps to distant Japan, all from the museum's extensive collection.

About The World in Focus at Albertina in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for The World in Focus at Albertina in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This exhibition delves into 19th-century travel and expedition photography, showcasing the growing use of photography to document the world during a period of industrialization and exploration. It features impressive works depicting diverse locations from the Alps to Japan, drawn from the ALBERTINA Museum's collection.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'The World in Focus' centers on travel and expedition photography from the 19th century, a time when the nascent medium of photography was increasingly employed to depict global landscapes and cultures. Driven by cultural, political, and entrepreneurial interests, photographers created series of images that chronicled industrialization, expanded mobility, shifting geopolitical power, and the exploration of uncharted territories. Visitors will be transported through these impressive works to various iconic locales, including the icy heights of the Alps, the ancient sites of the Middle East, remote regions within the Habsburg Empire, and distant lands such as Japan. The photographs on display are all drawn from the ALBERTINA Museum’s extensive and multifaceted collection, offering a historical perspective on visual documentation.

Admission and ticket notes

Visitors can get their tickets online. The exhibition is on view from July 15 until October 26, 2026. Further details regarding admission or booking may be available via the provided ticket link.

The World in Focus key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for The World in Focus at Albertina in Vienna

Venue
Albertina
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Jul 15, 2026
Artist line / attribution
Works by artists such as Raimund Stillfried von Rathenitz and Gustav Jägermayer are featured.
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