> About WestLicht > Contact > Legal note
On 11 June 2001 the first large photo and camera gallery in Vienna opened at Westbahnstrasse 40, 1070 Vienna. Founded on the initiative of a group of aficionados and collectors, it is a non-profitmaking association striving to widen the importance of photography and its development in Austria.
> WESTLICHT'S MISSION
WestLicht, the center of photography in Vienna, aims to show the relationship between photographic apparatus and the art of photography.
> WHERE IS WESTLICHT LOCATED?
The original building of the Training and Research Institute for Graphic Arts once stood in the immediate proximity. Nowadays, the area is much loved by creative people and its infrastructure serves the majority of important photographers.
> THE ARCHITECTURE OF WESTLICHT
The renowned architects Eichinger oder Knechtl furnished the fine and retiringly design for the loft which was a glass factory in the fifties. Before the modification it was used as a photo-studio.
> WHAT WILL YOU SEE AT WESTLICHT?
WestLicht is housed in a former glass factory. The conversion was carried
out by Eichinger oder Knechtl. Specially designed cabinets and lighting system were created to emphasise minimalist space and give a focus to the importance of the exhibits.
> THE CAMERA COLLECTION
A permanent collection of 800 historic and technically
important exhibits on loan from institutions and private collectors.
Peggy Sirota, NNOMAAD, 1997
> WHAT'S THE MUSEUM SHOWING?
Exhibitions from the 19th century due to the present time covering historical, national and international developments in the photographic medium. WestLicht is also the stage for many celebrated photographers, i.e. Elfie Semotan, Peggy Sirota, Mary Ellen Mark, Christine de Grancy, …
> WHO IS BEYOND WESTLICHT?
Peter Coeln is the driving force behind WestLicht.
His enthusiasm and determination to create a first
class photographic center in the heart of Vienna has
made WestLicht one of the most interesting and dynamic
museums in Europe. He is an important authority on
camera technology and development.