Fotopark Forchheim

Forchheim at the Gateway to Franconian Switzerland

Forchheim, a district town in Upper Franconia with around 32,000 inhabitants, is considered the "Gateway to Franconian Switzerland". The historic old town with the Imperial Palace, the town hall, and the medieval city fortifications is one of the most beautiful cityscapes in Franconia. In the midst of this setting lies Forchheim City Park, a classic English landscape garden that has been the stage for Fotopark since 2022.

Open-Air Gallery Under the Open Sky

Unlike traditional photo exhibitions in museums, Fotopark Forchheim takes place entirely outdoors. Large-format prints are hung among the trees, mounted along paths, or placed on neighboring building fronts on Hauptstraße and Sattlertorstraße. Strollers move freely through the exhibition without having to pay admission or observe opening hours — the show is accessible day and night, illuminated in the evenings with targeted light sources.

Biennial Rhythm

Fotopark Forchheim takes place every two years — after the successful editions in 2022 and 2024, the third edition is scheduled for 2026. The organizer is the Cultural Office of the City of Forchheim, which curates a new program each time. The thematic focuses change, and the participating photographers range from local artists from the Forchheim district and Upper Franconia to internationally exhibited professionals. Free admission, the entire park is accessible with low barriers.

Connecting City Park and City Center

A special feature of the Forchheim concept: the exhibition is not limited to the park but extends to the adjacent Hauptstraße and Sattlertorstraße. It thus connects the city's green lung with the historic old town — visitors wander through different urban atmospheres while viewing the works, from the park to the city center.