The collection of the Museum of Photographic Arts encompasses the full spectrum of the photographic medium, as well as materials and documents related to the history and process of these art forms. Since its beginnings in 1983, MoPA has maintained an archive of such materials as an important adjunct to its exhibition and education programs and a singular asset for the community. This reflects its curatorial tenet that "although art objects are carefully preserved within the museum space, the collection as a whole is held by the public, representing who we are and what we value as a culture."

The collection attempts to trace the entire history of photography: its aesthetic movements and technological advancements. While the entire collection illustrates the complex and varied history of the medium, its major areas of strength are in modern and contemporary work, specifically in social documentary photography and photojournalism.

The museum's collection reflects the central role photography plays in our image-based culture, both as an expressive medium and as a documentary record. Holdings currently include 7,000 photographs that span the history of photography.

All the works in the museum's collection are housed, maintained and conserved in a state-of-the-art humidity and temperature controlled cold storage vault. Periodic exhibitions are assembled from the collection.

The Museum Store offers the most complete collection of photography books, film/video books and a wide selection of photography-related stationery and gifts.

Official Web Site

If you are trying to find Museum of Photographic Arts, you have come to the right place. Our map is interactive, includes the streets/major attractions in the immediate area, and can be easily zoomed, reformatted or repositioned to meet your needs. If you see a map that is in error, please email us at maps@mustseesandiego.com.

Map of Museum of Photographic Arts Location