Leica is landing in Chicago with a new flagship and gallery. Located on Michigan Avenue in the city’s Gold Coast district, the space will officially open on April 30, combining retail, exhibition and educational experiences under one roof.
“Chicago has a long tradition of photography and a vibrant arts scene that values authenticity. These qualities are very much in keeping with Leica’s DNA and make the city an ideal location for a new branch. For Leica, this is an opportunity to connect with a new generation of creatives whilst strengthening our global community,” Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, art director and chief representative at Leica Galleries International, told WWD.
Related Articles
The 5,000-square-foot store spans two floors and features an Arts & Crafts-era facade restored in keeping with Chicago’s architectural heritage. Inside, the design reflects Leica’s craftsmanship and precision, blending Art Deco influences with modern minimalism.
You May Also Like
“Architecture and design are essential elements of Leica’s visual language. They translate our core values — authenticity and durability — into a physical space. In Chicago, the interplay between the historic facade and the interiors creates a unique setting that reflects Leica’s identity: a balance between tradition and innovation. This interplay allows us to pay tribute to the city’s cultural context whilst expressing our own design philosophy,” Rehn-Kaufmann said.
Visitors will be able to explore Leica’s full portfolio, from cameras and watches to sport optics, while engaging in workshops offered through the Leica Akademie and exhibitions presented in the accompanying gallery.
“The gallery anchors the experience by positioning photography as an artistic medium, exhibiting both established and emerging voices. The Leica Akademie creates a structured pathway for learning and creative development, while the retail environment becomes far more immersive and consultative than traditional camera stores,” said Mike Giannattasio, Leica’s U.S. president.
To commemorate its new location, Leica will introduce the Chicago Edition 17, a limited-edition silver Leica M11-P camera wrapped in boysenberry leatherette. The edition pays tribute to “The Atelier” Commemoration: 1917 — the year the Perkins, Fellows & Hamilton building, which now houses the flagship, was completed.
“It’s a nod to the creative spirit that once filled that space and connects Leica’s craftsmanship to Chicago’s architectural and cultural history. We also introduced a custom boysenberry leatherette for this edition. It gives the camera a distinct identity while still feeling true to Leica’s design language. The rich tone adds depth and individuality while remaining timeless, with a natural connection to Chicago’s architectural palette, particularly the warmth found in the city’s brick and terracotta,” Giannattasio said.
The opening coincides with the 20th anniversary of Leica’s retail network, which began with its first store in Japan, and with the 50th anniversary of the Leica Galleries program.
“These milestones highlight Leica’s continuous evolution as a forward-looking and innovative company that builds on its heritage while actively shaping the future. For more than a century, Leica has stood for technological excellence in imaging, but we have also always been deeply connected to the culture of photography,” Rehn-Kaufmann said.
Opening celebrations will feature installations by Alana Tsui and Dr. Romanelli, along with the inaugural exhibition Life Unposed by photographer Craig Semetko, followed by an artist discussion hosted by Leica’s Chicago Gallerist, Lucas Zenk. Year-round, the gallery will showcase work by Chicago-based photographers and host workshops for creators at all levels, positioning the new flagship as both a retail space and a community hub for visual storytelling.