ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Dulwich Picture Gallery's 'American Cities' Exhibition Captures a Century of Urban Change

exhibition · 2026-08-03

Dulwich Picture Gallery in London is presenting 'American Cities', an exhibition that explores the transformation of urban America over the past century through the lens of photography. The show brings together works by numerous photographers who documented the growth of cities across the United States, capturing fleeting moments of urban life. The exhibition highlights how the camera served as a witness to the rapid changes in American society, from the rise of skyscrapers to the decline of industrial neighborhoods. Featuring both iconic and lesser-known images, the exhibition offers a nostalgic yet critical view of the American urban experience. The show is organized thematically, tracing the evolution of cityscapes and the lives of their inhabitants. It includes works from various periods, providing a comprehensive visual history. The exhibition is on view at Dulwich Picture Gallery, a venue known for its collection of Old Masters, making this foray into modern photography a notable departure. The show runs until a yet-to-be-specified date, inviting visitors to reflect on the past and present of American cities.

Key facts

  • Exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery
  • Explores American urban experience through photography
  • Covers a century of urban growth and change
  • Features works by multiple photographers
  • Highlights the role of the camera in documenting fleeting realities
  • Includes both iconic and lesser-known images
  • Organized thematically
  • Venue is known for Old Masters, making this a departure

Entities

Institutions

  • Dulwich Picture Gallery

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources