WASHINGTON, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  On April 22, 2011, the Newseum will open "Pictures of the Year," a new exhibit that showcases dramatic, award-winning images of the people, events and issues that shaped the world in 2010. The display features nearly 70 of the year's best news images from Pictures of the Year International, the oldest photojournalism contest in the world.

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The exhibit spotlights gripping photos of flood-ravaged Pakistan, earthquake-torn Haiti, the Gulf Coast oil spill and troops on the front lines of the war in Afghanistan. Triumph and beauty are captured in images depicting athletes competing at the 2010 Winter Olympics, tigers prowling the jungles of India and penguins frolicking on Antarctic ice. Even Lady Gaga makes an appearance — her first in a Washington museum.

The competition's top awards honor the Newspaper Photographer of the Year and Freelance/Agency Photographer of the Year, as well as photographs that contribute to community awareness, global vision and world understanding. The exhibit includes QR codes that link to first-person accounts from the top award-winning photographers about their images.

"Pictures are an important part of the Newseum experience," said Charles L. Overby, chairman and chief executive officer of the Newseum. "The 'Pictures of the Year' exhibit will be an exciting addition to the Newseum."

On Saturday, April 30, some of the top photographers from the competition will take part in Photo Day at the Newseum, offering professional advice to visitors and revealing the stories behind their photographs. Families can explore the museum's seven levels in a photo scavenger hunt, take a close-up look at historic cameras from the Newseum's collection and attend a special "Inside Media" program featuring the award-winning photographers.

The exhibit was created in cooperation with Pictures of the Year International, a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism. Now in its 68th year, the international competition pays tribute to working photojournalists worldwide.

Nikon is the exclusive sponsor of the 2011 Pictures of the Year exhibit at the Newseum.

"Nikon has a great heritage of providing photojournalists with the tools to support their telling stories through compelling images and video," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing for Nikon Inc. "Nikon is excited to partner with the Newseum to sponsor the 'Pictures of the Year' exhibit and celebrate the exceptional news images from 2010 and the photographers that took them."

The exhibit will be on display at the Newseum through Oct. 31, 2011.

About the Newseum

The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. Within its seven levels of galleries and theaters, the Newseum offers a unique environment that takes museum-goers behind the scenes to experience how and why news is made. Follow the Newseum on Facebook and Twitter.

About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 60 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon's heritage of superior optics.  For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA.

SOURCE Newseum