Museum of Photographic Arts

The Museum of Photographic Arts houses a permanent collection of 7,000 images representing an array of techniques, genres, and photography styles. The museum seeks not only to highlight the history of the art but especially to showcase photojournalism and social documentary photography.

The Museum of Photographic Arts, or MOPA, began in 1972 as the Centre for Photographic Arts organisation but had no physical home until the early 1980s when it was granted a space in Balboa Park. The museum officially opened as MOPA in May 1983 and has risen in popularity over the decades amongst those exploring the nuances of culture, history, and social issues through visuals.

Museum of Photographic Arts - one of the highlights of 10 Best Museums in San Diego and 9 Best Art Museums and Galleries in San Diego (Read all about San Diego here)

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Museum of Photographic Arts highlights

Highlights of the Museum of Photographic Arts collections include works by such renowned photographers as Margaret Bourke-White, Ruth Bernhard, Alfred Stieglitz, and Dorothea Lang. More than 850 photographers are represented here, although only select pieces from the permanent collection are displayed.

You'll see 19th- and 20th-century works that house expeditionary, World War II, and Depression-era images, amongst others. You'll also find social documentary and photojournalism pieces, as well as a significant collection from Latin American artists like Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Graciela Iturbide, Sebastião Salgado, and Mariana Yampolsky. There's also a strong representation from mid-20th century Soviet Russian photography.

Good to know when visiting Museum of Photographic Arts

The Museum of Photographic Arts does not charge an admission fee, but donations based on what visitors can afford are appreciated. Self-guided tours may be booked on the museum's website. Street parking is available, and there are lots nearby at Space Theatre Way and throughout Balboa Park, with tram service available from park lots.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for loan. Low-vision patrons are offered an electronic magnifier to help read text panels, and American Sign Language interpreters are available with advance notice. Service dogs are permitted but pets are not.

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Location: 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Open: Friday–Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed Monday–Thursday)

Phone: +1 619-238-7559

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