MOPA - Museum of Photographic Arts

The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA), located in the heart of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, is a dynamic institution devoted to the celebration of photography, film, and video. With a mission to inspire and educate through the power of visual storytelling, MOPA welcomes a diverse audience, fostering dialogue and appreciation for the photographic arts in all their forms.

Founded in 1972 as the Center for Photographic Arts, the organization began as a museum without walls, showcasing photography through traveling exhibitions and partnerships. In 1983, MOPA found a permanent home when the City of San Diego offered space within Balboa Park’s renowned cultural complex. Since then, the museum has grown into a respected leader in its field, recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative exhibitions and educational outreach. It is one of only a few institutions in the United States solely dedicated to photography and film.

MOPA’s permanent collection is both expansive and inclusive, representing the full spectrum of photography’s evolution—from early processes and documentary photography to contemporary works by emerging and established artists. The collection now includes over 9,000 photographs and historical objects by more than 850 artists, as well as an additional 22,000 items housed in the Edmund L. and Nancy K. Dubois Library, offering a wealth of research and educational resources.

The museum is deeply committed to accessibility and learning, with programs that reach students, educators, and the broader community. Through exhibitions, film screenings, and hands-on workshops, MOPA invites visitors of all ages to explore the cultural and artistic impact of lens-based media.

By preserving the past while championing the future of photography, MOPA stands as a vital center for visual learning and creative exploration, enriching lives through the shared language of images.