2026 Symposium & Photo Fair

Whether this is your first Symposium or your 38th, you won’t want to miss DC 2026, a celebration of 19th-century photography bringing together collectors, historians, scholars, and museum professionals from around the world. You’ll join other lovers of daguerreotypes and other early photographs gathering at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC on Thursday, October 15, with events scheduled through Saturday, October 17. 

Highlights include:

• A festive opening reception
• Talks by experts presenting important discoveries and new research, showing seldom-seen images and offering new insights into photography’s beginnings
• A photo fair with veteran dealers and newcomers offering more daguerreotypes and 19th-century photographs than can be seen anywhere. Buy, sell, trade, or just look and learn – it’s an opportunity that comes along only once a year.
• A banquet with a live auction featuring exceptional images and a silent auction
• Room-hopping to catch up with friends and see what’s on the market
• And behind-the-scenes viewings of photography collections at leading cultural institutions, led by their curators

Make your room reservation at a special rate at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Reserve by August 13 for the special rate—rooms are limited.

For further details, check out the Symposium & Photo Fair page!