As one of the country's leading photographic arts institutions, the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park contains over 7,000 works representing the entire history of photography, including its aesthetic movements and technological achievements.
With a particular emphasis on 20th-century modern and contemporary work, the collection focuses on social documentary photography and photojournalism, especially mid 20th Century Soviet Russian photography. The museum does, however, cover the entire varied history of photography, from 19th century daguerreotypes to albumen prints, from Pictorialism to master works of 20th century, as well as contemporary works of some of the best photographers today. The collection is a powerful reflection of the contribution photography has made to our image-based culture, not only as a documentary tool but also as a tool of artistic expression.
The museum also includes a state-of-the-art movie theater where it presents still photography, video and film.
MoPA opened in 1983 and has been increasingly recognized for its contribution to the art of photography through a series of important donations and requests. In particular, in 1992, the estate of the late photographer and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Lou Stoumen was donated to the museum, and in 2002, the entire Nagasaki Journey: The Photographs of Yosuke Yamahata, August 10, 1945 archive was donated by The Independent Documentary Group.
In 2000, MoPA expanded to add more galleries, a classroom, a print-viewing room, and a 20,000-volume library.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-5pm
- Memorial Day through Labor Day: open until 9pm on Thursdays
- Closed Mondays
- Admission:
- Adults: $6
- Students, Seniors and Military: $4
- FREE to members and children under 12
- FREE to the general public on the second Tuesday of each month
- FREE to school groups with advanced reservation
- Contact:
- Address: 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
- Phone: 619-238-7559
- Website: www.mopa.org
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