Museum of Photographic Arts

Founded in 1983, the Museum of Photographic Arts seeks to inspire, educate and engage to community by sharing a vast range of photography, film and video. The museum has collected more than 9,000 images from over 850 photographers, making the permanent collection quite diverse and including many different photographic styles, genres and techniques. Through the museums many exhibitions, public programs and educational projects, many cultural, historical and social issues are reflected to help visitors understand and appreciate what the art represents. 

The museum’s permanent collection includes works from the early 19th century daguerreotypes and albumen prints to pictorialism, documentaries and photojournalism. The collection elements reflect a range of mediums and photographic history, however; the strongest subject matter and genres represented by the collection include mid-twentieth century Soviet Russian photography, social documentary photography and photojournalism.

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum offers eight to ten exhibitions each year including contemporary works, photojournalism and more. One of the major exhibitions running through January, 2011 is called Seeing Beauty—comprised of works from the museum’s permanent collection; the exhibition explores the aesthetics of beauty and poses the question of how personal interpretation of what constitutes beauty can affect each person’s experience of looking at art. 

The Museum of Photographic Arts offers a wide range of public programs including a lecture series, artist talks, film programs, adult workshops, youth camps and classes. On Friday at noon, enjoy the lunchtime art talks series—15 minute lectures offering insight on a single work of art from the museum’s permanent collection. Film programs allow visitors to see special screenings of films that are somehow related to the museum’s collections or exhibitions and offer a way to engage children in museum activities.

The museum offers family film days and the International Children’s Film Festival—showing more than 60 short films from around the world for children and teens. During the summer, the photography youth camps offer children a chance to explore the museum and get some hands-on experience photographic, editing, filming, producing and creating art.

Continue your photography experience by purchasing books, films, art and more at the museum store online or while visiting. For information about upcoming events, exhibitions and classes visit the museum website and follow on Twitter and Facebook. Also, check out the museum’s Flickr page and explore photographs from past events and activities. 

HelloSanDiego Tip: The Museum of Photographic Arts is located in close proximity to many other San Diego attractions including The Old Globe Theatre, the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Museum of Art.

- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.