The Orlando Museum of Art is preparing to unveil one of the most significant cultural events Central Florida has ever seen. Opening January 31, 2026, David LaChapelle: As the World Turns will stand as the largest U.S. museum retrospective of the internationally acclaimed photographer and director. For art lovers, followers of pop culture, and admirers of boundary-breaking visual storytelling, this exhibition promises to be a defining moment for the region.

Curated by OMA’s chief curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon and presented by Stan and Naomi Loomis, this expansive installation will bring together more than 100 works that map LaChapelle’s evolution over four transformative decades. From early figurative religious themes to bold editorial fashion photography and deeply symbolic contemporary compositions, the exhibition captures the full measure of LaChapelle’s creativity and impact.

A Visionary Career Rooted in Art, Pop Culture, and Spirituality

David LaChapelle’s entry into the New York art world in the 1980s set the foundation for everything that followed. At a time marked by explosive creativity and cultural experimentation, LaChapelle was hired by Andy Warhol to photograph for Interview Magazine after his first gallery show. That opportunity launched a career that would reshape how photography interacts with celebrity, fashion, and fine art.

Since then, LaChapelle has become one of the most published photographers in the world, with books that have become cultural milestones:

• LaChapelle Land (1996)
• Hotel LaChapelle (1999)
• Heaven to Hell (2006)
• Lost & Found (2017)
• Good News (2024)

His lens has captured some of the most iconic figures in modern history including Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Hillary Clinton, Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Muhammad Ali, and David Bowie. His photography is instantly recognizable—colorful, theatrical, provocative, and layered with symbolism.

But beyond the glamour and intensity, LaChapelle often returns to themes of spirituality, environmental fragility, and the complex relationship between humanity and pop culture. As the World Turns aims to reveal these dimensions in a comprehensive, immersive way.

Premiere Works and a Monumental New Creation

While the exhibition will highlight many of LaChapelle’s most celebrated photographs, it will also introduce new works that have never been publicly displayed. Among them is a monumental premiere piece inspired by classical frescoes and grand historical compositions. Created with support from Deodato Arte, Italy, this work is expected to be one of the exhibition’s most compelling features, both for its scale and for its emotional and visual impact.

LaChapelle describes this retrospective as an opportunity where all facets of his work can be seen together, almost like a collective exhibition of different eras of his own artistic identity. Many of these new works, he explains, draw on personal insight and the creative freedom he has embraced in recent years.

Inside the Creative Process

Visitors will encounter more than finished photographs. The exhibition includes:

• Hand-painted negatives
• Film-based media
• Behind-the-scenes footage
• Insights into LaChapelle’s meticulous production methods

These elements will give viewers a rare look at the physical and conceptual labor behind his imagery—a deeper understanding of how his art comes to life.

A Perfect Fit for the Orlando Museum of Art

OMA’s permanent collection often explores themes central to LaChapelle’s work: beauty, spirituality, and the human experience. CEO Cathryn Mattson highlights how this retrospective aligns with the museum’s mission to bring world-class programming to Central Florida.

By hosting As the World Turns, the museum reinforces its commitment to presenting exhibitions that spark curiosity, conversation, and inspiration across diverse audiences.

Opening Night: A High-Fashion Celebration

The exhibition’s opening reception on January 30, 2026, is expected to be one of the most memorable arts events in Orlando. The evening will include:

• A red carpet entrance
• VIP experiences
• Music and lite bites
• An exclusive first look at the exhibition

Tickets for this highly anticipated event will be available beginning December 6.

Special Programs and Community Engagement

Throughout the exhibition’s run, OMA will offer programs designed to deepen visitor engagement with LaChapelle’s work and the themes he explores. These will include:

• A live model drawing class
• Fashion photography workshops
• An artist lecture and book signing with David LaChapelle

This programming makes the exhibition not only a major cultural moment but also an educational opportunity for aspiring creators and art enthusiasts.

Exhibition Dates and Information

David LaChapelle: As the World Turns
At the Orlando Museum of Art
On view: January 31, 2026 – May 3, 2026

For complete details, updates, and upcoming programs, visit the Orlando Museum of Art at www.omart.org.

At OrlandoEscape.com, we are proud to highlight experiences that elevate Central Florida’s cultural landscape. This exhibition stands among the most exciting artistic events ever scheduled in Orlando, promising to draw visitors from around the world and ignite new conversations about the intersection of art, celebrity, and human expression.