Photobook Mania 2025

On October 18–19, 2025, PhMuseum presents the first edition of Photobook Mania, a biennial event dedicated to the world of photographic books, held at Serra Madre within the Serre dei Giardini Margherita in Bologna. With free admission, the event brings together over 20 independent publishers from around the world, showcasing a curated selection of photobooks that highlight the latest trends and creative experimentation in contemporary publishing.

In addition to the rich editorial presence, the program features talks with artists, curators, and photography professionals, thematic workshops, and two main exhibitions. The first, “Dummies and Books from FOLIO 2024/25 Photobook Making Masterclass,” presents prototypes developed by 14 participants of the international masterclass led by Lewis Chaplin, co-founder of Loose Joints. The works offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of shaping photographic images into compelling narrative books.

The second exhibition is dedicated to the PhMuseum 2025 Photobook Award, showcasing 30 projects selected through an international open call. During the event, a jury of experts will select the winning project, which will be published and presented at PhMuseum Days 2026.

Photobook Mania alternates with the PhMuseum Days festival in a biennial schedule, further strengthening PhMuseum’s commitment to promoting contemporary photography culture.