Events, talks and tours

Open House | Fred W. McDarrah Collection

Join us for a special Open House at The Image Centre as we share highlights from an exciting new addition to our collection: photographs by legendary Village Voice photojournalist Fred W. McDarrah (1926–2007).

Renowned for documenting the cultural and social life of New York in the 20th century, the photographs on view offer an intimate glimpse into the city’s LGBTQIA2S+ communities and political movements. His portraits and news images feature influential figures such as Robert Mapplethorpe, Grace Jones, Andy Warhol, and Allen Ginsberg—each one a testament to an era of transformation and resistance.

We invite you to explore selected works from the collection and learn more about the stories behind these iconic images. This Open House is presented in partnership with TMU’s Pride Celebration and The Positive Space.

Drop in anytime between 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM—capacity is limited, but entry will be managed throughout the day as space becomes available. Please note that no food or drink is permitted in the viewing area, and large bags, backpacks, and coats must be checked on the ground floor upon arrival.

All photographs by Fred W. McDarrah were generously donated to the IMC by Michael W. Sonnenfeldt and MUUS.

Tanenbaum Lecture: Susan Meiselas

Join us for a special lecture by acclaimed documentary photographer and President of the Magnum Foundation, Susan Meiselas, who will explore the history of Magnum Photos’ exhibitions and the evolving role of photographers within them. Drawing from her decades-long career and personal experience organizing and contributing to landmark exhibitions, Meiselas will reflect on how her own work fits into and helps shape Magnum’s broader visual narrative.

Presented in conjunction with Magnum’s First, this talk offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the world’s most influential photographic cooperatives.

Opening Party | Jessica Berger: Lost & Found

Join us to celebrate the opening of Jessica Berger: Lost & Found at The Image Centre. Explore Berger’s striking photographic works during this free public reception. Light refreshments will be served, and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening. 

Scholar Talk with Nadya Bair: Photography Exhibitions and the Magnum Brand 

Founded as a photographic cooperative in 1947, Magnum Photos aimed to sell the work of its photographers to as many markets as possible. Already in the late 1940s, its pictures appeared in illustrated magazines as news, but also as promotion for international travel. Magnum photographers worked on film sets, and they shot public relations campaigns for the United Nations and Standard Oil alike. In order to further promote the work of its photographers, Magnum also began organizing exhibits of prints that traveled around the world, familiarizing international audiences Magnum’s name. In those contexts, the meaning of Magnum’s pictures began to change. Exhibitions often celebrated photographers’ individual prints as the expression photographers’ concern for humanity, and of their ability to capture what Henri Cartier-Bresson called “decisive moments.”

This talk looks at the creation of some the first exhibitions of Magnum’s photography in the 1950s – including The Face of Time and Chim’s Children – to demonstrate how such projects helped consolidate the idea of Magnum as a group of international, humanist photographers who followed their instincts and values rather than catering to the work of its clients. And, by looking at the network of curators, publishers, and editors who were formative to the creation of Magnum’s brand, this talk will consider the infrastructure for exhibiting photography at mid-century. 

Booked and Browsing | The Image Centre Book Sale

For two days only, don’t miss your chance to snag incredible deals on a wide selection of photography books! This first-ever book sale in person at The Image Centre features major discounts on exhibition catalogues, photography books, and more.

You’ll also find branded IMC tote bags (buy one and fill with as many student publications as you’d like!), curated mystery book bundles, and hidden gems for every kind of photo book lover.  Make room on your shelves and join us in celebrating the art of the photobook, at unbeatable prices, for a very limited time.

Special Exhibition Tour: Magnum's First & Chim's Children of Europe

The Image Centre's Exhibitions Curator, Gaëlle Morel, will lead a special exhibition tour of Magnum's First and Chim's Children of Europe. Join us for the last special tour of the season to get all of the insights into the Magnum photographers and works on view.