Fotofestival Lenzburg 2026

The Fotofestival Lenzburg takes place in the history-rich town of Lenzburg in the heart of Switzerland.

Overview

Fotofestival Lenzburg is a biennial international photography festival held in the historic Swiss town of Lenzburg, with some events extending into nearby Aarau. The festival transforms the city into an open-air gallery, blending historic architecture with contemporary photographic works. It attracts both local audiences and international visitors, offering a diverse program that includes exhibitions, workshops, portfolio reviews, photobook corners in cafés, and talks. By using the city as a living exhibition space, the festival encourages engagement and dialogue between artists and the public.

The seventh edition of the festival centers around the theme Forever Happy. It explores the concept of happiness in all its complexity, from fleeting personal moments to societal pressures and cultural representations. Through photography, the festival examines how happiness is portrayed, pursued, marketed, and experienced, inviting artists to reflect critically on this elusive concept. The 2026 edition emphasizes photography’s power not only to depict joy but also to challenge and expand our understanding of it in contemporary life.

Visitors can experience exhibitions spread across Lenzburg and Aarau, often in unexpected public spaces, making the festival accessible and immersive. The program combines solo and group exhibitions, curated projects, and interactive installations that engage a wide audience. Workshops, talks, and portfolio reviews provide opportunities for both professional development and personal exploration, while photobook corners and special events encourage visitors to interact with photography in everyday contexts.

Fotofestival Lenzburg is dedicated to contemporary photography and its role in visual culture. By moving beyond traditional museum walls, the festival creates a space where art becomes part of daily life, fostering meaningful exchanges between photographers, curators, and the public. Each edition’s thematic focus, such as Forever Happy for 2026, sparks conversation about contemporary culture, human experience, and the ways in which photography can reflect, question, and reinterpret our world.