In 1974 when New York was experiencing a golden era of creativity, the International Center of Photography was founded as a museum and school to maintain the legacy of “Concerned Photography”. Since then, the ICP has become a national photography landmark—it’s a veritable treasure trove documenting the human condition, with highlights including Weegee’s lurid documentation of 1930’s New York mob warfare.

The stories behind the images in this varied collection add an extra layer of intrigue. The most compelling tale is that of the Mexican suitcase collection, where priceless negatives of the Spanish Civil War—that were stashed away for over half a century in Mexico City—mysteriously found their way to the doorstep of the ICP, and the eyes of the public. This sense of voyeurism is what makes the ICP so alluring. Provocative and powerful scenes are candidly revealed to the audience, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy that fly on the wall feeling?