In a nod to the vibrant energy and creative spirit of New York City, iconic German camera brand Leica has unveiled its sprawling new flagship store in the heart of the Big Apple.
More than just a retail space, this monumental addition to the city’s landscape aims to cultivate a community of photography enthusiasts while paying homage to the city’s legendary street photography scene.
Located in Manhattan’s bustling Meatpacking District, just a stone’s throw away from cultural landmarks like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the High Line, Leica’s latest venture spans an impressive 3,000 square feet across two meticulously designed floors. Stepping into the store, visitors are greeted by a sleek monochromatic palette, a deliberate homage to the city’s iconic street photography culture.
The ground floor of the flagship boutique offers a treasure trove of Leica’s legendary cameras, including the revered M system, alongside luxurious watches and the cutting-edge Cine 1 ultra-short-throw 4K projector. But beyond the retail experience, this space also serves as the home of Leica Gallery NYC, a dynamic venue set to host exhibitions featuring both established photographers and emerging talent, with select works available for purchase.
Venturing to the second floor reveals the flagship’s pièce de résistance—a vibrant hub designed to inspire and foster creativity. Here, a curated library of photography books curated by Todd Hido awaits alongside a fully equipped photo studio. A highlight of this floor is the inviting outdoor patio, envisioned as a communal space where photography enthusiasts can gather, exchange ideas, and draw inspiration from the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Speaking to the vision behind the flagship, Mike Giannattasio, Leica’s North American president, shares, “We wanted to create a home for Leica to really celebrate art and culture. To be a place where artists, film directors, and creators can all come.” Drawing inspiration from the eclectic creativity of 1970s New York, the store exudes a welcoming ambiance reminiscent of the era of Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, serving as a modern-day haven for creatives.
Invite Only
The invite-only grand opening of Leica’s flagship store and gallery in New York City’s Meatpacking District is scheduled to start on Thursday, March 14, 2024. The program will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, reception, and showcase of Leica’s latest products. Further, the grand opening will feature a weekend of immersive events open to the public, including a panel discussion featuring colleagues of renowned Leica photographer Elliott Erwitt, (March 15th, 6PM-8PM), a talk and book signing with Ralph Gibson (March 16th, 6PM-8PM), and photowalk opportunities with Jason Roman and Gulnara Samoilova.
Leica’s latest flagship marks its seventh store and third gallery in the United States, solidifying its commitment to fostering artistic expression and community engagement at 406 West 13th Street (30 minutes from Harlem), the store welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Photo credit: 1-2) Leica Camera USA
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