A special honor for Jena’s amateur photography: To mark the 50th anniversary of the “Foto-Klub Jena ’78 e.V.,” the Thüringer Landtag in Erfurt is opening its doors for a comprehensive exhibition. What once began in the workshops of the VEB Carl Zeiss Jena industrial complex has evolved over five decades into a permanent fixture of Jena’s cultural life. The exhibition highlights the artistic journey of the association, from the analog black-and-white photography of the GDR era to modern digital image processing.
Quick Facts: The Exhibition
- Title: Werkschau des Foto-Klub Jena ’78 e.V.
- Location: Thüringer Landtag (Hochhaus), Jürgen-Fuchs-Straße 1, Erfurt
- Duration: March 11 to May 25, 2026
- Opening Hours: Daily 8 AM to 6 PM (except on plenary session days)
- Opening Ceremony: March 10, 5 PM (by Dr. Thadäus König)
- Admission: Free
Jena/Erfurt. When the President of the State Parliament, Dr. Thadäus König, officially opens the exhibition on March 10, the club will look back on half a century of history. The works on display are more than just aesthetic snapshots; they are also contemporary witnesses to the technical and social developments in Jena and Thüringen.
From “Fotozirkel Block 10” to an Established Institution
The club’s roots lie deep in Jena’s industrial history. The community was founded in 1976 under the name “Fotozirkel Block 10” as a corporate group of VEB Carl Zeiss Jena. Such corporate circles were an essential part of cultural mass work in the GDR, offering workers not only a creative outlet but often access to high-quality technology and laboratories that were harder to obtain privately. Particularly in Jena, the City of Optics, the demand for photographic quality was traditionally high.
Following the political reunification and the restructuring of the industrial complex, the circle faced a turning point. In 1993, it was re-established as a registered association under its current name. Despite the social upheavals, the members succeeded in preserving the core of their passion and bringing the club into the new era.
Range: Between Tradition and Experiment
The selection presented at the Landtag reflects the diversity of its members. According to the announcement, the club is dedicated to photographic art in its “entire range.” Visitors can look forward to an exciting dialogue between generations and techniques:
- Classic vs. Experimental: Alongside classic landscape and portrait photography, abstract and experimental works are also shown.
- Analog vs. Digital: While some members uphold the tradition of the darkroom and analog film, others utilize the possibilities of modern digital photography and image editing.
This mix is what makes the exhibition so appealing. It shows that amateur photography is much more than just snapping holiday pictures—it is a serious exploration of light, composition, and the narrative moment.
Information for Visitors from Jena
For those interested from Jena, the exhibition is an ideal day trip to the state capital. The show is located in the high-rise building (Hochhaus) of the Thüringer Landtag. Important for planning: On plenary days, when the parliament is in session, the exhibition is generally not accessible to the public. It is therefore recommended to check the Landtag’s session calendar before traveling.
Admission is free. An important organizational note regarding weekend visits: Anyone wishing to view the exhibition on a Saturday or Sunday is asked to register their visit with the Landtag in advance. This serves security purposes and coordinates visitor traffic within the parliamentary building.
Conclusion
The invitation to the Thüringer Landtag is a significant recognition of the voluntary commitment of Jena’s photographers. It underscores that cultural education and artistic creation often begin at the grassroots level—in clubs and circles—and make a valuable contribution to the identity of a region. Anyone who loves photography and wants to experience a piece of Jena’s club history should mark the period from March to May in their calendar.