The World Press Photo Exhibition is making a grand return to London after a hiatus of seven years. This captivating event will unfold at Borough Yards, nestled in the heart of London, SE1 9AD, from Friday 3rd May to Monday 27th May 2024.

Renowned as the pinnacle of global photo competitions, the World Press Photo Contest will showcase the finest examples of photojournalism and documentary photography from every corner of the globe. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the world’s most significant visual stories. Secure your tickets for the exhibition right here.

At its core, the World Press Photo aims to bridge the gap between nations by bringing attention to the stories that truly matter. Through a diverse array of high-quality visual narratives, this exhibition encourages viewers to delve beyond the headlines and contemplate critical issues on a global scale.

Established in 1955, the World Press Photo Foundation has consistently spotlighted the most impactful photojournalism and documentary photography of the preceding year, reaching millions worldwide. With annual exhibitions traversing over 60 cities across 40 countries, its influence knows no bounds.

Woody Anderson, the Director of the London Exhibition, shares his insights: “In the realm of visual storytelling, World Press Photo stands at the forefront, drawing audiences into the poignant realities captured within each image. The exhibition’s unmatched virtuosity and the often perilous journey to capture these moments position it as a beacon of global photojournalism, shaping the very narrative of our time. Its absence from the capital’s cultural calendar has been sorely felt.”

Stay tuned for an enriching experience as the World Press Photo Exhibition finds its home at Borough Yards, an artistic enclave nestled beneath the iconic Victorian railway arches, surrounded by landmarks such as the Tate Modern. This unique location is perfectly suited to host such a prestigious photography exhibition.

Reflecting on the return of the exhibition to London, a global cultural hub, Joumana El Zein Khoury, Executive Director of the World Press Photo Foundation, expressed triumph. “In overcoming numerous obstacles, the resurgence of the World Press Photo Exhibition in London marks a significant moment. We are thrilled to see the exhibition firmly reinstated in the capital, poised to become a fixture for years to come. London and the entire nation can once again immerse themselves in the splendor of the World Press Photo Exhibition at its new home in Borough Yards.”

This year, the World Press Photo Exhibition will grace Borough Yards, a cultural hotspot at the heart of London Bridge’s vibrant creative milieu. Nestled beneath meticulously restored Victorian railway arches and surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Tate Modern, Borough Yards provides an ideal backdrop for this prestigious photography exhibition.

The 2024 selection comprises photographs chosen from a staggering 61,062 entries by 3,851 photographers hailing from 130 countries. Initial judgments were rendered by six regional juries, with the final winners determined by a global jury led by Fiona Shields, the Head of Photography at The Guardian.

Fiona Shields, serving as the global jury chair, remarked on the selected works: “These final pieces form a tapestry of our contemporary world, capturing images crafted with respect and integrity, resonating universally and transcending their origins. It’s an occasion to celebrate the dedication, intelligence, and creativity of press and documentary photographers worldwide, shedding light on stories often told in unimaginable circumstances.”

Some topics included this year

The Israel-Hamas war: The Asia winner in the Singles category shows a Palestinian woman embracing the body of her niece who was killed when an Israeli missile struck their home. It was seen by the jury as an important reminder of the finality of personal loss amidst the statistics of war. 

This year, the jury also made the exceptional decision to include two special mentions in the 2024 World Press Photo Contest selection – each showing a single individual (an Israeli and a Palestinian) in the aftermath of a horrific attack.

The climate crisis: The selection shows how photographers are working urgently not only to show the effects of the climate crisis and activism against its causes, but also to document what is being lost. A connection can be made, for example, between young German activists fighting to stop a coal mine from destroying local communities, and a grandfather in Fiji resolutely holding his grandson while chest deep in a rising ocean. 

Family: The jury noted in retrospect that many of the stories in their selection revolve around the theme of family. Included are stories of families coping with conditions such as cancer or dementia, the challenges of migration, and trauma due to war, disaster and loss. In each case, the strength of these relationships and the photographers’ care for their subjects are visible in the images.

The exhibition has a limited run from Friday 3rd May to Monday 27th May 2024 at Borough Yards, London SE1 9AD. Tickets are available now from here with prices starting from £5.