World Press Photo Exhibition Groningen 2025 - “What Have We Done?”
Sep 19, 2025 • 9 minutes reading time
World Press Photo Exhibition Groningen 2025 at Niemeyer Factory “What Have We Done?”
The World Press Photo Exhibition 2025 opens on 19 September in Groningen with an impressive anniversary exhibition What Have We Done?, curated by Cristina de Middel. We visited with colleagues and our tip is already: be sure to allow three hours! We didn’t have enough eyes or time! 70 years of World Press Photo can be seen at the Niemeyerfabriek!
In addition to iconic photojournalism there is an extensive programme in collaboration with Noorderlicht, with lectures, workshops and the Museum Night full of photography and experiences.
Cristina de Middel – curator of 'What Have We Done?'
Cristina de Middel is a Spanish photographer and former photojournalist, known for her conceptual approach to documentary photography. She explores the ambiguity of photography and its relationship to truth, combining documentary and conceptual practices.
In 2025 she was invited to curate the 70th anniversary exhibition of World Press Photo, titled What Have We Done? Unpacking Seven Decades of World Press Photo. The exhibition takes place in Groningen, Johannesburg and Dhaka and features more than 100 images reflecting seven decades of visual journalism.
De Middel describes the exhibition as an invitation to look with a sharper and more critical eye. She emphasizes that if history repeats itself, the way we tell it must evolve, and calls on visitors to view visual stories consciously and reflectively.
How did World Press Photo originate?
World Press Photo was founded in 1955 in Amsterdam by a group of Dutch photojournalists. Their aim was to provide a stage for international press photography and to show how images tell stories that cross borders. World Press Photo has since grown into a global platform for visual journalism, with thousands of entries from more than 120 countries and exhibitions that attract millions of visitors. Amsterdam remains the organisation's home base.
A look back at all the years of photo selections can be found at the start of the exhibition at Niemeyer! In the photos we see the jury members walking along photos that are then lying on the floor here and there. It is a remarkable spectacle!
What did we think of the World Press Photo anniversary edition at Niemeyer?
The industrial setting provided a very nice atmosphere. There is space and calm to go through and study all the photos carefully. Each wall is numbered and you can then look up the numbers in the booklet (this is reused, so please do not crumple it) and read the accompanying text. What stayed with me is the video of the 90-year-old Sir Don McCullin CBE, a photographer who looks back on his career covering world news, the guilt and what it did to him as a person. Watch it back here after your visit to the World Press Photo.
The image of the man versus the woman
We read a beautiful piece about the role of the man and the woman in conveying the story through the years of photography. The man is often depicted as the savior, decisive, determined, often in action.
The woman often crying, mourning, asking for help. The visual patterns are deeply ingrained in the traditions of storytelling. We will of course not reveal more, because there is so much more to see!
Noorderlicht and the role of Groningen
Noorderlicht is a leading photo gallery and festival organisation in Groningen, known for socially engaged and artistic photography. Through the collaboration with World Press Photo, Groningen temporarily becomes an international photography centre. In addition to What Have We Done? Noorderlicht presents the exhibition Rauw Vermogen, in which seven young northern photographers depict contemporary themes such as landscape, labour, digitalisation and care.
Photo exhibition Rauw Vermogen in Groningen, a look to the future
While World Press Photo looks back, Rauw Vermogen focuses on what is to come. The participating photographers convey the curiosity of the North and connect with a new generation searching for meaning, space and connection. We enjoyed the photos taken from nature, from the raw Groningen soil where so much beauty comes from. We also enjoyed the poems created by local poets; this gem is by Joost Marsman.
NA DE APOCALYPS
Wanneer de nevel opgetrokken is,
de geuren van olie roest en vuur
door wilde regens verdreven,
en de wereld opnieuw begint
-maar liever, lichter, zachter, dichterbij-
dan komen zij naar buiten.
Winnaars
zonder greintje
triomfantelijkheid
The exhibition is an initiative of Noorderlicht in collaboration with Groningen Merkpartners. Together they invite visitors – both from inside and outside the province – not only to look, but also to actively participate.
Participating photographers ‘Rauw Vermogen’ at World Press Photo Groningen
Noorderlicht Groningen and director Roosje Klap
Noorderlicht began in 1989 as an initiative to give photography in the North of the Netherlands a stage. A year later the first edition of the photo festival followed in Groningen, which soon gained international recognition. Over the years Noorderlicht grew into a leading organisation with its own gallery and a wide network of collaborations at home and abroad.
Today the Noorderlicht Photo Gallery is located at the Akerkhof in Groningen. Here the foundation organises exhibitions and activities that connect photography with social and cultural themes. In addition, Noorderlicht regularly collaborates with various locations and partners to further expand the reach of contemporary visual culture.
Since Roosje Klap has been at the helm as director general of Noorderlicht. She succeeded Kees van der Meiden, who retired. Klap brings a strong combination of artistic vision and business insight, and focuses on innovation, technology and research within photography. With her background as a designer and curator she guides a future in which Noorderlicht further develops as an international player and as a source of inspiration for photographers and the public.
Recent World Press Photo 2025 winners
The World Press Photo Contest 2025 had impressive winners this year. Some highlights:
- Photo of the Year 2025 – Samar Abu Elouf (Gaza), for The New York Times: a striking image of 9-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour after an attack in Gaza.
- Finalists – John Moore with Night Crossing (migrants at the US-Mexico border) and Musuk Nolte with Droughts in the Amazon.
- Dutch winners – Prins de Vos with the project Mika about gender care and Marijn Fiddler with Tamale Safalu about a Ugandan bodybuilder who keeps fighting despite a disability. More information: World Press Photo of the Year and finalists announced | World Press Photo
In total this year 59,320 photos were submitted by 3,778 photographers from 141 countries. 42 winners were chosen, divided across multiple categories and regions.
Visit the exhibition in Groningen
The World Press Photo Exhibition 2025 is on view from 19 September to 21 October 2025 at the Niemeyerfabriek in Groningen. Running in parallel is Rauw Vermogen from 20 September to 21 October 2025. Combine your visit with the pop-up festival and the Museum Night and discover how photography teaches us to look, think and feel.
