Museum of Photographic Arts

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, among 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 Theater 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.