ICONIC - Defending press freedom and democracy since 1955: Wesel, Germany

The World Press Photo and the European Parliament present a selection of photographs, awarded World Press Photo of the Year from 1955 to 2023, that captured some of the most defining moments in recent history.

The collection highlights issues such as the hope and resilience of protesters, migration, resistance against racism, or the human cost of conflict, and shows how important photojournalism is in shaping our collective memory and creating mutual understanding. Major world events that occurred in the years the photographs were taken are also outlined in the exhibition to provide context and invite the viewer to reflect on the past, present, and future.

Visual stories, documented by multiple voices, play an important role in understanding the world's most significant issues. Press freedom, a foundation of democratic societies, enabled these visual stories to be published. Yet, in many parts of the world, this right is oppressed or under threat, and cannot be taken for granted. Supporting the conditions for press freedom is a fundamental part of the World Press Photo and the European Parliament's work.