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David LaChapelle: As The World Turns
Orlando Museum of Art
Key Exhibition Dates and Details:
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Friday, Jan. 30 - 6pm - 9pm ┃ Exhibition Vernissage (RSVP Here)
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Saturday, Jan. 31 - 10am - 4pm ┃ Exhibition Opens to the Public
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Saturday, Jan. 31 - 2pm - 3:30pm ┃ Artist Talk and Book Signing (RSVP Here)
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For a complete list of exhibition events please visit the Museum Page
From OMA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Orlando Museum of Art to Present David LaChapelle’s Largest U.S. Retrospective
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David LaChapelle: As the World Turns will feature the internationally acclaimed photographer’s
contemporary classic works and premiere creations, celebrating four decades at the intersection
of art, pop culture and spirituality
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David LaChapelle
The House At The End Of The World
Los Angeles, 2005
Orlando, Fla.
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– November 20, 2025 –
The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) is proud to announce David LaChapelle: As the World Turns, the largest U.S. museum retrospective of the visionary photographer and director, opening January 31, 2026. Presented by Stan and Naomi Loomisand curated by OMA chief curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, As the World Turns offers a sweeping journey through LaChapelle’s visual universe – from early religious figurative works, fashion editorials and celebrity portraiture to allegorical compositions exploring spirituality, environmental fragility, and transcendence. The exhibition brings together more than 100 works – from early career milestones to premiere creations – tracing LaChapelle’s ever-evolving exploration of fame, faith, beauty and the human condition.
LaChapelle’s career began in New York City during the 1980s, a period shaped by creativity, excess and loss. Following his first gallery exhibition, he was hired by Andy Warhol to shoot for Interview Magazine, launching a career that would redefine the relationship between art, photography and popular culture. In the decades since, LaChapelle has become one of the most published photographers in the world, with an anthology of books including LaChapelle Land (1996), Hotel LaChapelle (1999), Heaven to Hell (2006), Lost & Found (2017), and Good
News (2024).
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LaChapelle has photographed some of the most recognizable figures in film, music, art, politics and sports, including Amy Winehouse, David Beckham, David Bowie, Elton John, Hillary Clinton, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Miley Cyrus, Muhammad Ali, Pamela Anderson, Stevie Nicks and Tupac Shakur, among many others.
In addition to major photographic works, the exhibition will feature the world premiere of a monumental new creation that draws inspiration from classical fresco techniques and grand historical compositions. This expansive piece, made possible by Deodato Arte, Italy, channels LaChapelle’s fascination with scale, drama and the sublime, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience a creation that has never before been displayed publicly.
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“This exhibition at OMA is very special to me because I am revealing many new pieces that
required me to use all of the experiences from my life to make. I have felt a great freedom in my
work through recent years – as I continue to play with themes of popular culture while also
returning to the narratives that offer a reflection of the spiritual world and metaphysical ideas,” -LaChapelle said.
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“In a way, this is like a group show because Coralie's curation creates an experience where all of the different stages and sides of my work can be seen and felt.”
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In addition to photographs and premiere works, the exhibition will include hand-painted negatives, film-based media, and behind-the-scenes footage revealing the artist’s meticulous creative process.
OMA’s permanent collection of American and international contemporary art – with works exploring themes of beauty, spirituality and the human experience – provides the perfect contextfor this exhibition.
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"OMA’s mission has always been to present diverse and world-class programming, and this exhibition is a perfect example of our commitment to bringing groundbreaking cultural experiences to Central Florida,” Cathryn Mattson, CEO of OMA, said.
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“We hope this exhibition sparks conversation and inspiration across our community.
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The opening reception on January 30, 2026, will be an unforgettable, high-fashion event with a red carpet entrance, VIP experience, music, and lite bites. Guests will enjoy an exclusive advance viewing of the exhibition. Tickets for the reception will go on sale December 6.
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To complement David LaChapelle: As The World Turns, OMA will offer a series of engaging programs, including a live model drawing class, fashion photography workshops and an artist lecture/book signing with LaChapelle himself.
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David LaChapelle: As The World Turns will be on view at OMA from January 31, 2026, to May 3, 2026.
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For more information about OMA's exhibitions and programs, please visit www.omart.org.
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About the Orlando Museum of Art: Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art is a leading
cultural institution in the Southeast, dedicated to inspiring creativity, passion and intellectual
curiosity by connecting people with art and new ideas.
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Press Contact and Media Kit Request:
Brianna Koenig
Uproar by Moburst for Orlando Museum of Art