Museum Ludwig Explores the Evolution of Smiling in Photography

The Museum Ludwig in Cologne is presenting 'Smile! How the Smile Came Into Photography,' an exhibition examining the historical and cultural development of smiling in photographic portraits. Curated by Miriam Szwast with Brit Meyer, the show runs from November 1, 2025, to March 22, 2026. It features works from the 19th to 21st centuries, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Hugo Erfurth, Man Ray, Julia Margaret Cameron, Nadar, August Sander, and Thomas Struth. The exhibition analyzes how social norms, technological advancements, and media influences have shaped facial expressions in photography, tracing a shift from serious 19th-century poses to the widespread adoption of smiles in the 20th century.