The United States Premiere of Ocean Photographer of the Year Opens April 24 in Alameda
For the first time, one of the world's most celebrated ocean photography exhibitions is coming to the United States, and West End Arts District is proud to be bringing it home to Alameda.
From April 24 through May 17, 2026, Ocean Photographer of the Year, presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, will be installed inside Hangar 41, a historic World War II airplane hangar at Alameda Point. The vast industrial space will be transformed into an immersive gallery celebrating the beauty, power, and fragility of our blue planet, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience extraordinary ocean imagery from around the world.
A Global Competition, A Local Experience
Now in its fifth year, Ocean Photographer of the Year is recognized globally as the leading competition dedicated to ocean photography. The exhibition features a curated selection of winning and finalist images drawn from more than 15,000 submissions by photographers around the world. Categories span Wildlife, Fine Art, Adventure, Conservation, Human Connection, Young Photographer of the Year, the Ocean Portfolio Award, and the prestigious Female Fifty Fathoms Award, which celebrates excellence by women in ocean photography.
From intimate macro encounters to sweeping underwater vistas and dramatic aerial perspectives, each photograph reveals the profound connection between humanity and the ocean, inviting viewers not only to marvel but to care.
"We're thrilled to bring Ocean Photographer of the Year to Alameda Point and to invite the community to experience this powerful ode to the ocean in such a unique setting," said Tara Pilbrow, Executive Director at West End Arts District. "By breathing new life into Alameda Point's military history, we're also expressing our commitment to the kind of future we want to see: one rooted in creativity, environmental awareness, and shared cultural experiences."
Beyond the Exhibition: Bay Perspectives and Sailing Science
The experience extends beyond the international competition. Visitors are invited to explore Bay Perspectives, a dedicated gallery and interactive space that connects global ocean stories to the waters closer to home.
Edge of the Pacific: Bay Perspectives presents local ocean photography curated by Jan Watten of Gray Loft Gallery and Nick Winkworth of the Bay Area Photographers Collective. These locally-rooted works highlight the San Francisco Bay, the California coastline, and the everyday relationships between community and ocean.
Sharing the space, the Sailing Science Center presents hands-on marine science exhibits where visitors of all ages can engage directly with ocean processes (tides, wave formation, and the impacts of marine plastics), deepening understanding through play, inquiry, and discovery.
Together, the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition and the Bay Perspectives gallery bridge art and science, global perspective and local experience, inspiring stewardship through both emotional connection and knowledge.
An Evening Program That Brings the Ocean to Life
West End Arts District has curated a series of evening events on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the exhibition run, each designed to bring the ocean's stories into conversation:
Friday, April 24: Opening Gala: Bay Photo Lab's 50th anniversary celebration marks the exhibition's U.S. premiere with art, storytelling, cocktails, and live entertainment.
Thursday, April 30: Field Notes from the Bay: An evening of fast-paced, unforgettable live storytelling.
Friday, May 1: Bay Perspectives Opening Reception: Featuring a performance by Alameda-based cellist and composer Mia Pixley.
Thursday, May 7: Sunset Photo Cruise: A photography outing with the East Bay Photo Collective aboard a San Francisco Bay Ferry.
Friday, May 8: Surf Culture & Storytelling: Framing the Ocean Story.
Friday, May 15: An Evening of Kelp: Artist, educator, and marine scientist Josie Iselin shares her work on kelp forests and coastal ecosystems.
A Partnership Rooted in Craft
Exhibition co-host Bay Photo Lab, a trusted partner to professional photographers for half a century, serves as the official print partner, transforming the competition's digital imagery into vibrant, museum-quality displays. "Our mission is to share the ocean with non-ocean goers and photography is the most awesome conduit to do that," said Will Harrison of Oceanographic Magazine.
The Alameda exhibition is supported by Speed Pro East Bay, Project 2030, and Radium, with special thanks to community sponsors MPB, Brookfield Residential, Catellus, City of Alameda, the Mike Lane Group, Embarc, and the Port of Oakland.
Plan Your Visit
Dates: April 24 – May 17, 2026
Regular hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10am – 6pm
Special events: Thursday and Friday evenings (see website for details)
Location: Hangar 41, 650 West Tower Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501
Tickets: General Admission $25 | Youth/Students $15 | Family Package (2 adults + 2 kids) $60
The venue is all ages and fully accessible. Free parking is available on site. For transit options, dining recommendations, and FAQs, visit our Plan Your Visit page.
