Tucson - 1030 North Olive Road - AZ 85721
The Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona stands as one of the world’s most distinguished institutions dedicated to the study, preservation, and exhibition of photography. Since its founding in 1975, the Center has played a defining role in shaping the understanding of the medium, both as an art form and as a vital cultural document. Its origins are rooted in a vision shared by University President John Schaefer and legendary photographer Ansel Adams, whose archives, along with those of four other masters, formed the foundation of the collection.
Today, the Center houses over 270 archival collections and more than eight million objects, a staggering record of the history and development of photography. Its holdings include the works and archives of some of the most celebrated names in twentieth-century photography, such as Edward Weston, W. Eugene Smith, Lola Álvarez Bravo, and Garry Winogrand. The breadth of the collection ranges from early negatives and prints to contact sheets, albums, and personal correspondence, providing unparalleled insight into the creative process of photographers.
The fine print collection includes more than 110,000 works by over 2,200 photographers, making it an invaluable resource for scholars, curators, and enthusiasts. This photography collection not only preserves masterpieces of modern and contemporary art but also serves as a platform for new research and critical dialogue. By acquiring both historic and contemporary works, the Center ensures that its holdings reflect the evolution of photography as both a personal expression and a societal mirror.
Complemented by a rich library of rare publications, exhibition catalogs, and oral histories, the Center for Creative Photography is more than a museum—it is a living archive. Its exhibitions, loans, and traveling programs allow audiences around the world to engage with photography’s history and continuing relevance, cementing the Center’s role as a cornerstone of the field.
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