Leica Camera will open a new 5,000 sq. ft. flagship & gallery store in Chicago on April 30th. To commemorate the event, the company has launched a new Leica M11-P Chicago Edition 17 camera:
“Named after “The Atelier” Commemoration: 1917, Leica introduces the Chicago Edition 17, a limited-edition silver Leica M11-P with boysenberry leatherette created exclusively for Leica Store Chicago. This special edition pays tribute to the year the historic Perkins, Fellows & Hamilton studio building was constructed, the architectural landmark that now houses Leica’s flagship Chicago store and gallery. The camera is an ode to the enduring spirit of creation that continues to shape Leica’s house of craftsmanship and design today. The Chicago Edition 17 will release on April 30 and will be available exclusively at Leica Store Chicago.”
Here are the details on the new Leica store:
The two-story, 400 m² Leica Store Chicago is located in a historic building with a listed Arts and Crafts-style façade. A style characterised by precision craftsmanship and timeless clarity. On North Michigan Avenue, one of Chicago’s most exclusive shopping destinations, architectural history meets modern urbanity. International luxury brands, the Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as theatres and galleries characterise the immediate surroundings of the store.
Here, on the ground floor, the entire Leica portfolio awaits you, including the home cinema and watch sections. The range is complemented by pre-owned products that combine timeless value with certified authenticity. The upper floor offers the ideal setting for international photographic art in the light-filled Leica Gallery with its high ceilings. A VIP room and a bar invite you to retreat and socialise in a tranquil atmosphere. Our team is on hand to provide personalised advice and comprehensive service. Furthermore, curated events and changing exhibitions foster interaction within the Leica community.
Address:
800 N Michigan Avenue
Chicago IL, 60611
United States
Press release:
Leica Camera Unveils Chicago Flagship: A Destination for Photography and Design
Celebrating 50 years of Leica’s Galleries, Leica Adds a New Cultural Hub to Its Global Network
TEANECK, N.J., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Leica Camera, the renowned German camera and optics company, is proud to announce its new store and opening in Chicago on April 30, 2026. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast, one of the city’s most storied cultural and architectural districts, the new store draws on Chicago’s creative spirit, offering a dynamic space where visitors can experience rotating gallery exhibitions, participate in workshops through the Leica Akademie, connect with fellow creatives, and discover the latest innovations in imaging technology. Situated on Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s premier commercial corridor, the store further solidifies Leica’s presence among the world’s leading cultural capitals.
This opening coincides with the 20th anniversary of Leica retail, which began with the brand’s first store in Japan. Since that inaugural opening, Leica spaces have created an ecosystem designed not only to showcase precision-engineered tools, but to foster a thriving, connected photographic community. The Chicago flagship is the culmination of this 20-year legacy and adds to a network of around 120 Leica Stores worldwide.
This milestone is further marked by the 50th anniversary of the Leica Galleries, a global program that shares a common vision with its retail spaces: presenting photography as an art form, a historical record, and a social voice that can be experienced by people around the globe. With approximately 150 exhibitions taking place annually, they balance contemporary photography by displaying iconic works from both the present day and the past. This new flagship destination reflects the brand’s continued cultural expansion and demonstrates a deep commitment to visual storytelling.
“Chicago has one of the most dynamic and layered cultural histories in the world, shaped by artists and storytellers who are not afraid to challenge perspectives,” said Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Art Director & Chief Representative of Leica Galleries International. “Photography is one of the most powerful cultural forces of our time; it influences how we see, how we remember, and how we understand one another. We’re excited to become a part of Chicago’s vibrant, creative community and contribute to its ongoing cultural conversation.”
“For our Leica customers, a camera is not a one-time purchase. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey; and these experiential spaces are essential to cultivating and sustaining that relationship,” added Mike Giannattasio, President of Leica Camera North America. “As we open our doors here, our commitment is not only to present extraordinary innovation and photography, but to foster a creative community that brings people together to create lasting emotional impact.”
Chicago’s architectural heritage forms the foundation of the new Leica Store and Gallery. Its restored Arts & Crafts façade echoes the geometric clarity and meticulous detailing championed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and Louis Sullivan, whose influence helped shape the city’s early modern identity. These attributes come to life through Art Deco inspiration, warm materials, clean lines, and Leica’s design ethos which mirrors the precision of its beloved camera.
Inside, the 5,000-square foot space spread over two floors unfolds like a dialogue between Chicago’s architectural past and the evolving art of photography. The new location serves not only as a destination gallery and communal creative space but also an immersive retail environment where customers can explore and purchase Leica’s full range of products, including cameras, watches, home cinema, sport optics, and accessories.
