From 5 February to 5 June 2022, the Fortress of Bard will be the first Italian venue for the 57th Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, the world’s most prestigious nature photography contest, run by London’s Natural History Museum. The stunning images on display were selected by an international panel of eminent experts and wildlife photographers from over 50,000 shots submitted by photographers from all over the world.

French underwater photographer and biologist Laurent Ballesta was announced as this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his enigmatic image, Creation, that captures camouflage groupers exiting their milky cloud of eggs and sperm in Fakarava, French Polynesia. Every year, for five years, Laurent and his team returned to this lagoon, diving day and night so as not to miss the annual spawning that only takes place around the full moon in July. After dark, they were joined by hundreds of grey reef sharks, hunting the groupers in packs. Overfishing threatens this vulnerable species, but here the fish are protected within a special biosphere reserve.

Ten-year old Vidyun R Hebbar was awarded the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 for his colourful image, Dome home, who took a spectacular photo of a spider in a gap in a wall. Vidyun first featured in the competition when he was just eight years old and loves to photograph the often-overlooked creatures that live in the streets and parks near his home in the city of Bengaluru, India.

OPENING HOURS

Weekdays: 10 am | 6 pm
Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays: 10 am | 7 pm
Closed on Mondays
Special openings: Monday 18th and Monday 25th April

RATES

Full-price: €8.00
Concessions (over 65 and 6-18 years): €7.00

INFO

Fort Bard Association
T. + 39 0125 833811
info@fortedibard.it