The Print Center

The Print Center in Philadelphia stands as one of the nation’s longest-running institutions dedicated to the twin arts of printmaking and photography. Founded in 1915 as The Print Club, the organization was among the first in the United States to focus exclusively on the appreciation, study, and collection of printed works. Over a century later, The Print Center continues to expand this mission, balancing a global perspective with a strong local role in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape.

Photography has long been integral to The Print Center’s program. From the early inclusion of American pioneers such as Ansel Adams and Walker Evans to contemporary innovators like Abelardo Morell and the Starn Twins, the gallery has emphasized photography’s place as both a fine art form and a tool for cultural reflection. Exhibitions often pair photography with printmaking, encouraging viewers to see the shared language of image, process, and material that connects the two mediums. This dual commitment distinguishes The Print Center as a rare institution where photography is not an adjunct, but a core focus.

The gallery’s annual International Competition remains a prestigious platform for emerging photographers, offering global exposure and curatorial recognition. Past winners and participants have gone on to significant careers, underscoring The Print Center’s role as an incubator of new talent. Its education initiatives, including the Artists-in-Schools Program, introduce photography and printmaking to underserved youth, ensuring that the next generation sees both mediums as accessible means of self-expression.

Alongside exhibitions and education, The Print Center’s Gallery Store provides one of Philadelphia’s richest selections of contemporary photographs and prints for collectors. This function not only supports artists but also makes the act of collecting more approachable. By fostering dialogue between historic tradition and contemporary innovation, The Print Center affirms photography’s ongoing power to shape how we see and understand the world.