The World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 brings the results of the world’s most prestigious visual journalism contest to De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This flagship premiere showcases the winners of the 69th annual competition, selected from tens of thousands of submissions by an independent global jury. Visitors encounter a curated selection of images that define the previous year, presented within the high-vaulted nave of one of the city's most historic monuments.

The selection highlights 42 photographers covering a wide geographic and thematic range, from the frontlines of conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine to environmental shifts in Mexico and Norway. Along with headline-grabbing news, the exhibition includes intimate documentary projects like South African ballet schools and the complexities of motherhood in China. The works are organized into regional categories, ensuring a broad representation of local perspectives alongside global stories of resilience and change.

Seeing these works in Amsterdam marks the start of an international tour that reaches millions, but the De Nieuwe Kerk setting offers a unique scale. The juxtaposition of modern, often raw photojournalism against 15th-century stone architecture forces a direct confrontation with contemporary reality. Beyond the visual impact, the show emphasizes visual literacy and the ethics of reporting, providing the crucial context behind the single shots that dominated social media feeds over the last twelve months.

A heavy but essential stop for visitors wanting to understand the global realities of the past year through a deeply human lens.

Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Tickets are €20 for adults, and advance booking is required via the venue website. The Netherlands Museum Pass is accepted.