Alfred Eisenstaedt on Display Between Venice and Abano Terme

Twentieth-century photography takes center stage in the Veneto region with a major exhibition project dedicated to Alfred Eisenstaedt, one of the most celebrated photographers in history. Until 20 September 2026, the Museo Villa Bassi Rathgeb in Abano Terme presents the exhibition Alfred Eisenstaedt. Photography Was in the Air, while the journey continues at the Naval History Museum (MUNAV) in Venice until 22 November with a second exhibition focusing on the photographer’s European years.

Curated by Monica Poggi and produced by CAMERA – Centro Italiano per la Fotografia, the project is promoted by the Municipality of Abano Terme and D’Uva, manager of the MUNAV – Naval History Museum of Venice. Bringing together two complementary venues, the exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Eisenstaedt’s career and highlights his fundamental contribution to the history of photography and modern photojournalism.

An Exhibition Dedicated to One of the Greatest Photographers of the 20th Century

Widely regarded as one of the leading figures of twentieth-century photography, Alfred Eisenstaedt is best known for his long collaboration with Life magazine and for capturing one of the most iconic images in photographic history: the famous V-J Day kiss in Times Square, taken at the end of the Second World War. This two-part exhibition traces both his personal journey and his artistic evolution, from his early years in Europe to his remarkable success in the United States.

The exhibition at Villa Bassi Rathgeb features around 80 photographs arranged in a thematic and chronological itinerary, illustrating the evolution of Eisenstaedt’s visual language, his storytelling ability, and his extraordinary sensitivity toward people—qualities that made his work instantly recognizable.

From Europe to the United States: Alfred Eisenstaedt’s Journey

The first section explores Eisenstaedt’s formative years in Europe, from Berlin to the continent’s major cultural capitals. These photographs portray the atmosphere of the 1920s and 1930s, documenting theatres, circuses, cultural events, and everyday life, while also revealing the political tensions that would eventually lead to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Forced to leave Germany in 1935 because of Nazi persecution against Jewish people, Eisenstaedt emigrated to the United States. There, in 1936, he joined the editorial staff of Life magazine, where he remained until 1972. During those decades, he produced more than 2,500 photo essays and over 90 magazine covers, helping shape the visual identity of the twentieth century.

The second part of the exhibition focuses on Eisenstaedt’s American years. Through spontaneous, dynamic and often humorous images, the photographer documented post-war American society, portraying a country undergoing rapid economic, cultural and social transformation.

Each photograph offers an authentic glimpse into everyday life, transforming seemingly ordinary moments into powerful visual narratives capable of telling the story of an entire era.

Another section of the exhibition is devoted to Eisenstaedt’s post-war reportage in Japan. These photographs explore the consequences of the atomic bombings, the country’s reconstruction, and the resilience of its people, demonstrating the photographer’s remarkable ability to interpret major historical events with humanity and sensitivity.

The images reveal his talent for combining documentary precision with emotional depth, offering a powerful reflection on memory, recovery, and hope.

The final section presents a selection of portraits featuring some of the twentieth century’s most influential personalities. Among them are J. Robert Oppenheimer, John F. Kennedy, Ernest Hemingway, and Angela Lansbury, all portrayed with remarkable spontaneity and psychological insight.

These portraits highlight one of Eisenstaedt’s greatest strengths: his ability to establish an immediate connection with his subjects, capturing their personality with elegance and authenticity.

The Venice Exhibition Focuses on His European Years

The exhibition continues at the MUNAV – Naval History Museum in Venice, where visitors can explore Alfred Eisenstaedt’s early European career in greater depth. This second venue provides valuable insight into the experiences that shaped his artistic vision before his move to the United States, placing his personal story within the broader context of twentieth-century European history.

Together, the two exhibitions offer visitors a complete portrait of one of the most influential photographers of modern times.

Alfred Eisenstaedt: The Photographer Who Captured the 20th Century

Born in 1898 in Dirschau—today’s Tczew, Poland—Alfred Eisenstaedt discovered his passion for photography at a young age after receiving a Kodak camera as a gift. Following the First World War, he began collaborating with leading European illustrated magazines, quickly earning recognition for his innovative visual style.

His move to the United States marked the turning point of his career. In addition to the iconic Times Square kiss, Eisenstaedt documented major international events, travelled extensively around the world, and photographed some of the century’s most influential figures, including Albert Einstein, Sophia Loren, Ernest Hemingway, and John F. Kennedy.

His final photograph was taken in 1993, portraying President Bill Clinton together with his family. Eisenstaedt passed away two years later, in 1995, leaving behind an extraordinary photographic legacy that continues to inspire photographers and audiences alike.