From April 24 to June 21, 2026, the Freundeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus (FkWBH) will present the German Peace Prize for Photography. The prize is awarded by the City of Osnabrück in conjunction with the specialty paper manufacturer Felix Schoeller. It recognizes professional artistic works that engage with the theme of peace in a particularly compelling way.

This year, the award went to photographer Maximilian Mann for his series “Last Resort Oberhausen.” In it, Mann portrays the Oberhausen Peace Village, where children from war zones can find new hope and a fresh start. Through medical care and the dedication of volunteer doctors, the children not only receive physical healing but also a new perspective and a step back into life.

These works, along with those of the nominated photographers Maryam Firuzi, Valentina Sinis, Fabian Ritter, and Silke Koch, will be presented in the exhibition. With each series, the German Peace Prize for Photography reflects the theme of peace in its own unique way, bringing together contributions from Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, and Germany in this exhibition.

Award Winner:
Maximilian Mann (Dortmund / DE) – Last Rescue Oberhausen

Nominated:
Silke Koch (Berlin / DE) – Archive Of The Unseen
Fabian Ritter (Dortmund / DE) – Youth of Ukraine
Valentina Sinis (Oristano / IT) – Were Afghan Women to Unveil Their Tales
Maryam Firuzi (Tehran / IR) – In the shadows of silent women

Freundeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus (FkWBH)

The Freundeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus was founded in 1996 as a non-profit association. Since the opening of the Willy-Brandt-Haus, the FkWBH has provided a varied, free program of events at the interface between culture and politics. In addition to the regular exhibitions, readings, discussions and film evenings are also offered to a wide audience.

Thursday, Apr 23, 2026, 7 pm (admission from 6:30 pm)
Opening Reception
Speakers: Mirja Linnekugel (Artistic Director FkWBH), Bärbel Bas MdB (SPD Party Chairwoman), Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp (CEO Felix Schoeller), Simone Klein (Jury Chairwoman).

Every first Thursday of the month, 2 – 3 pm
Guided Tour (de)
Guided tour through the current exhibition(s).
Admission free | No registration | ID required.
Details
Individual appointments for groups can also be arranged: Daniela Zehe, bildung@freundeskreis-wbh.de

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026, 6 – 7 pm
After-Work Tour (de)
Exclusive guided tour of the current exhibition(s) after regular opening hours. The institution’s artistic director, Mirja Linnekugel, offers visitors the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the works on display in a relaxed atmosphere. Admission free | No registration | ID required.

Please check the FkWBH website for closing days and access regulations before your visit.