ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST AT THE CORAL GABLES MUSEUM
CELEBRATING AMERICA’S INDEPENDENCE
Join the Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence with your Best Photographs!
The Coral Gables Museum proudly announces its highly anticipated annual photography competition, Capture Coral Gables 2026. On this special occasion, we invite you to submit up to ten images of your work in one or more of the following five categories by Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 – 11:59 PM:
PEOPLE & COMMUNITY IN CORAL GABLES
Capture the people, relationships, and everyday moments that shape life in Coral Gables. Show how connection, diversity, and belonging come alive across neighborhoods and shared spaces.
FREEDOM, EXPRESSION & CIVIC LIFE
Explore how creativity, dialogue, participation, and public life unfold in Coral Gables. Interpret the ways people express themselves, come together, and care for the spaces they share.
RESILIENCE, PEACE & STEWARDSHIP
Reflect on the strength, balance, and renewal found in Coral Gables. Consider resilience in its communities, natural environment, architecture, and the quiet moments that sustain collective well-being.
CORAL GABLES IN THE WORLD
Show how Coral Gables connects to broader cultural currents and global influences. Explore the city’s international character, architectural heritage, and the exchanges that shape its identity.
THE FUTURE OF CORAL GABLES
Imagine what lies ahead for Coral Gables. Express hopes, questions, and possibilities for the city’s future through visions of its social, cultural, and environmental life.
Explore award-winning photographs from the Centennial Edition
Komorebi_Perfect Days, 2024
Marta Tejera- Winner of the Cultural Fusion category
City Hall of Coral Gables in a Crystal Ball, 2025
Marco Inzerillo- Winner of the Centennial Treasures category
Brick by Brick, 2025
David Gary Lloyd – Winner of the Gables of the Future category
Springtime in Coral Gables: Think Pink!, 2024
Vicki Cerda – Winner of the True Coral Gables (Social Media Photo) category
Burger Bob’s, 2025
Carlos Causo – Winner of the Curious Gables category
Self Portrait, 2025
Diana Perry – Winner of the AI Memories of The City Beautiful category
Keep on Dancing, 2025
Jessica de Vreeze – Winner of the People’s Choice Award
A jury of photography experts will select 25 finalists from the first five categories which will be printed and framed to be exhibited in the gallery.
All photos should meet the quality requirements stated in the Submission Portal and should have been taken within the last year. Works dated before January 1st, 2025 will not be accepted.
Why Participate?
- Be part of a Historic National Celebration: Have a voice in the city’s celebration of America’s independence by contributing images that will remain in the collective memory.
- Recognition, Exposure & Prizes: Have your work showcased at the Coral Gables Museum, seen by visitors from around the world, and be the winner of one or more categories to receive amazing prizes!
Who Can Apply?
- Prepare your best shots, be it through a digital camera or film. Make sure that your images meet all the requirements listed in the Submission Form.
- Fill out our form and submit up to ten images.
- Pay the Submission Fee (please note there is a $10 fee per image).
- Click on Submit.
Twenty-five finalists will be selected, regardless of the category for which they applied. Among other prizes, they will have the opportunity to be exhibited at the Coral Gables Museum and evaluated by a jury of photography experts.
There will be a winner per category and two special awards: a Grand Prize or Juror’s Pick, for the photograph that excels in creativity and technical sharpness, and the People’s Choice Award, voted by the public. This vote will be open throughout the show and the prize will be announced on the final day, via social media.
Please note that to participate in the exhibition and be considered for the awards, you need to provide a high-resolution version of your photograph. You will be asked if you are selected as a finalist.
KEY DATES
Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 – 11:59 PM
Last day to receive applications
Friday, August 14th, 2026
Finalists will be notified via email and telephone. They will be asked to send their high-resolution images (TIFF format, with the smaller side not less than 16″ and the larger side not more than 20″, 300 DPI, Color Mode: Adobe RGB (1998), and 100 MB maximum).
Friday, September 4th, 2026 – 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Exhibition Opening and Awards Ceremony during our popular Coral Gables Gallery Night.
Friday, September 4th – Sunday, October 25th, 2026
Exhibition Dates
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced during Family Day and via social media.
Don’t miss out on this historic opportunity!
For more information and to apply, contact us via email at: info@coralgablesmuseum.org.