Street moments in the Museum Ludwig: masterpieces of street photography!
Experience the exhibition at Museum Ludwig honoring the street photography of Winogrand, Friedlander and Rodriguez until October 12th.

Street moments in the Museum Ludwig: masterpieces of street photography!
In the heart of Cologne, in the renowned Museum Ludwig, an exciting exhibition has opened its doors that will not only delight photography lovers. Until October 12, 2025, visitors can admire the works of three outstanding representatives of street photography: Garry Winogrand, Lee Friedlander and Joseph Rodriguez. This exhibition is the first in the museum's new photography rooms and is curated by the esteemed Barbara Engelbach.
Garry Winogrand's work is particularly fascinating. His photo “Untitled” from the series “Women are Beautiful” from around 1970 shows a scene in which a woman in a short skirt meets a man in a suit. Winogrand was a master at capturing everyday encounters in urban spaces and reflecting them with a critical eye on society. This type of documentation is at the heart of street photography, which has developed since the mid-20th century, influenced by the handiness of cameras like the Leica. These devices allowed photographers to capture fleeting moments in public, creating a feeling of authenticity and dynamism.
Social aspects through the lens
Lee Friedlander's photos also express the social aspects of the 1960s and 1970s. One example shows a construction worker and a smartly dressed woman crossing between glass doors of a building. These everyday observations are part of a profound analysis of society and its dynamics. Friedlander's use of reflections and shadows in his compositions is surprising and thought-provoking, while at the same time challenging conventional image standards.
Joseph Rodriguez, on the other hand, brings a different dimension to the exhibition. With his picture “Pulaski Skyway, New Jersey” from 1984, he questions the realities of life in poor suburbs. Rodriguez actively interacts with the people he photographs. Many of his works are accompanied by comments that bring the viewers closer to the stories of those portrayed. In this way, he gives visibility to often ignored voices in society, which makes his images particularly impressive.
Insights into the genre of street photography
Street photography as a genre is not only documentary photography, but also a creative game with the perception of everyday life. Henri Cartier-Bresson's idea of the "decisive moment" highlights the importance of capturing the fleeting moment. This philosophy runs through the works of all three artists and makes the exhibition an exciting experience for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of street photography.
The photographs are framed behind glass and in a passepartout, which highlights the compositions and illustrates the different perspectives of these three photographers. With a very special look at the world of public space, Winogrand, Friedlander and Rodriguez invite visitors to discover the diversity of urban experiences. If you would like to find out more about the photographers' inspiring stories, you can visit Choices as well as [Museum Ludwig](https://www.museum-ludwig.de/de/ exhibitions/street-photography-lee-friedlander-joseph-rodriguez-garry-winogrand) and Street Photography.