The European Prize of Architectural Photography was first awarded in 1995. Since then, it has been held every two years. In connection with this the 28 best series of photographs are documented in a lavish catalogue and shown at an international traveling exhibition. Because of the cultural significance of the prize it was suggested that it should be handled by a non-profit organization. On the initiative of Wilfried Dechau, Hans-Eberhard Hess and Prof. Dr. Rolf Sachsse architekturbild e.V. – an association for the promotion of artistic/photographic treatment of our building environment – was established in 2003 and based in Stuttgart. The association now boasts more than 100 members. The European Prize of Architectural Photography has been offered and awarded in cooperation with Deutsches Architekturmuseum since 2008. For the first time the award ceremony and exhibition of the 28 best competition entries will take place in Deutsches Architekturmuseum.

In 2009 the theme of the European Prize of Architectural Photography was “Neue Heimat – New Homeland”. Of the 233 entries from 16 countries the jury, headed by Hans-Michael Koetzle, publisher and until 2007 editor-in-chief of Leica World, awarded first prize to the four-part series of photographs by Stephan Sahm (Munich). Joint second prizes were awarded to Jacky Longstaff (Newcastle upon Tyne) and Timothy Griffith (San Francisco).

The exhibition in the Deutsches Architekturmuseum from 25 April till 30 June 2009 showcases 28 selected contributions, including the three awarded works, four commendations and further mentions.