National Museum of Photography

The National Museum of Photography in Brescia is home to a stunning collection of photographic and cinematic equipment. Founded by photographers of the Cinefotoclub in 1953, the museum offers a journey through time. From the earliest experiments to modern marvels, this museum tells the captivating story of visual arts.

 It delves into the history of photography, from a 16th-century camera obscura to a replica of the world’s first photograph from 1826. There are groundbreaking inventions like Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre’s 1839 invention of the daguerreotype process and the Lumière Brothers’ autochrome plates.

In the camera room, you can see examples of old and new equipment from a wide variety of makers, including Leica, Kodak, Agfa, and more. Other parts of the museum explore the history of tools, techniques, and processes that have been used in still photography and cinema.

The museum also features two exhibition halls that host shows from artists around the world. There is also a dedicated photo-cinema library with around 8,000 volumes—it is a treasure trove for enthusiasts.