The World Press Photo's mission is to promote photojournalism to a wider public; as its web site states, "We believe in the power of visual journalism to inspire and shape us." This is no more evident than in its hallmark annual event, the World Press Photo exhibit, which marshalls the best news photos of the year into a multi-city exhibit that leaves an indelible impression on the more than two million visitors it attracts annually.

And Amsterdam just happens to be the lucky city where the exhibit celebrates its debut and festive awards ceremony each year - due to the fact that the World Press Photo foundation was estaablished here in 1955.

The World Press Photo launches with the Award Days, a weekend of activities that revolve around an awards ceremony to honor the best photojournalism of the year. While the Award Days unfortunately aren't open to the public, non-attendees are more than content to visit the excellent World Press Photo exhibition, which starts on the exact same date. Here in the Oude Kerk, a medieval church in the heart of De Wallen, the public can become acquainted with the winners of the latest competition, all of whom demonstrate an exceptional ability to capture the world's current events in pictures. Beside the top accolade of World Press Photo of the Year, other prizes are awarded to additional photos that depict news-related subjects, to sports, contemporary issues, daily life, portraits, arts and entertainment and nature.

Can't make it to the World Press Photo exhibit in Amsterdam? The exhibit also travels to cities worldwide shortly after the awards ceremony, as well as to the Dutch cities of Naarden and Eindhoven once it leaves the Oude Kerk.

For more information about the World Press Photo exhibit, the foundation and its activities, see the World Press Photo web site.

World Press Photo Exhibit - Visitor's Information

• 2012 Dates: April 20 - June 17
• Location:
  Oude Kerk
  Oudekerksplein 23
  Open Mon - Sat 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 1 - 5 p.m.
  Closed January 1, April 30 and December 25.
• Admission Fees
  Adults: € 5
  Students: € 4
  Children under 12: Free
  "I amsterdam" card holders: Free
• Directions: From Amsterdam Central Station, head south on Damrak and turn left before the Bijenkorf (just south of the Beursplein); follow this street to the Warmoesstraat. Make a left onto Warmoesstraat, then another left onto the Wijde Kerksteeg to reach Oudekerksplein. Enter the church via the south entrance.