The magic of the darkroom: The Camera Obscura Workshop

Take advantage of the Easter holidays for a fascinating journey to the beginnings of optics. In an age of digital perfection, this workshop offers a slower-paced alternative: a return to the “darkroom.” Children aged 10 and up will discover one of the oldest tools for creating images in the world of Leica and experience firsthand how bright spring light shapes a motif without any modern technology.

Day 1: Construction & physical magic: Participants build their own functional camera obscura from simple materials and customize it for their Easter projects. In the process, they immerse themselves in the world of optics and learn in a playful way why an image appears upside down in the camera and how the size of the hole affects the sharpness and the incidence of light

Day 2: Discovery tour in the spring light: Using their self-built cameras, the group explores the Leica World grounds and implements their first image ideas in the spring sunshine. The highlight is the subsequent work in the photo studio: The exposed papers are developed together in the darkroom, making the entire photographic process—from physical construction to the finished image—tangible.

This workshop promises to be an exciting and educational experience for all children who are interested in photography or simply enjoy crafting and experimenting. Since we will be working with acrylic paints and photochemistry, we strongly recommend wearing clothes that you don't mind getting dirty or bringing a smock.

All information at a glance:

- When: April 8 & 9Duration: Two days, approx. 4.5 hours each day
-Target group: Children aged 10 and above
- Price: €49 per child (includes materials, educational supervision, snacks & drinks)
- Participants: Limited to 10 to 12 children (early registration recommended)
- Important note: Please arrive at the reception of the Ernst Leitz Museum 15 minutes before the start to pay the fee. A smartphone is not required.