Helmut Newton Foundation

The Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin is an institution that celebrates the work and legacy of one of the most influential and provocative photographers of the 20th century, Helmut Newton. Located in the Museum of Photography, next to the Zoologischer Garten station, the foundation is housed in the Landwehrkasino, a historic building that adds a touch of charm and gravitas to the collections on display. Founded in 2003 by Newton himself, the foundation was officially inaugurated in 2004, shortly after his death, and has since become a reference point for photography enthusiasts around the world. Helmut Newton, born Helmut Neustädter in 1920 in Berlin, is known for his fashion, portrait, and nude photography, which revolutionized the world of photography with their boldness and provocation. After fleeing Nazi Germany in 1938, Newton settled in Australia and later in Paris, where his career took off in the 1960s. His images, often characterized by a glamorous and erotic aesthetic, redefined the concept of beauty and style, appearing in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.The Helmut Newton Foundation was not conceived as a static museum, but as a living and dynamic institution. Each exhibition presents a selection of Newton’s iconic images, often in dialogue with the works of other contemporary photographers. This curated approach highlights not only the evolution of Newton’s work, but also his lasting influence in the field of photography.One of the foundation’s inaugural exhibitions, titled “Us and Them” and “Sex and Landscapes,” presented a visual dialogue between Helmut Newton’s photographs and those of his wife, June Newton, professionally known as Alice Springs. June, herself a talented photographer, began her career in 1970 and developed her own distinctive style. “Us and Them” offered an intimate and personal view of their relationship through the lens of photography, while “Sex and Landscapes” explored the themes of eroticism and landscape, two central elements in Newton’s work. One of the more recent exhibitions, “Berlin, Berlin,” celebrates Newton’s deep connection to his hometown. The exhibition not only showcases Newton’s work, but also that of other photographers who have documented the history of Berlin from the 20th century to the present day. Iconic and lesser-known photographs by Newton are juxtaposed with works by photographers such as Yva, who influenced Newton in the 1930s, and Maria Sewcz, whose images from the 1980s capture the city before the fall of the Berlin Wall. In addition to exhibitions, the Helmut Newton Foundation is dedicated to promoting photography through conferences, workshops, and publications. This educational commitment reflects Newton’s desire to share his passion for photography and inspire the new generations of artists. The foundation regularly organizes events involving industry experts, providing a forum for discussion and learning.The mission of the Helmut Newton Foundation is to preserve and present the works of Helmut and June Newton, while also promoting dialogue with other artists. The exhibitions are not limited to Berlin; in fact, the foundation collaborates with museums and institutions around the world to bring Newton’s works to a global audience. International exhibition venues have included the Grand Palais in Paris, the Royal Palace in Milan, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, underscoring the global influence of Newton’s work.