The Orlando Museum of Art is proud to announce David LaChapelle: As the World Turns, the largest U.S. museum retrospective of the visionary celebrity photographer and director, opening January 31, 2026. Curated by OMA chief curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, this major photography exhibition offers a sweeping journey through LaChapelle’s visual universe – from early religious figurative works, fashion photography editorials and celebrity portraiture to allegorical compositions exploring spirituality, environmental fragility, and transcendence. This landmark contemporary photography retrospective in Orlando 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, the acclaimed 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).
As one of the world’s most renowned celebrity photographers, 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, this art exhibition in Orlando will feature the world premiere of a 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.
“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. “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.”
In addition to photographs and premiere works, the David LaChapelle: As the World Turns photography exhibition in Orlando will include hand-painted negatives, film-based media, and behind-the-scenes footage revealing the artist’s meticulous creative process.
Visit the Orlando Museum of Art to experience this landmark LaChapelle exhibition in Orlando.
*This exhibition is 18+
David LaChapelle: As The World Turns will be on view at OMA from January 31, 2026, to May 3, 2026.
For press inquiry, please contact oma@moburst.com
Presented by
Silver Sponsor:
Additional Sponsorship provided by*
Caroline & Jeffrey Blydenburgh
Mark & Laura Cosgrove
Katie & John Lehr
*Current as of 1/28/2026
