UMFA - Utah Museum of Fine Arts

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA), located at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, serves as the state’s premier destination for exploring global visual culture. With a collection of more than 22,000 works, the museum spans centuries and continents, offering audiences a profound journey through human creativity. From ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary installations, UMFA stands as a cultural hub where campus and community come together to experience art in all its forms.

Among the museum’s diverse holdings, photography plays a vital and expanding role. The UMFA’s photography collection captures the medium’s evolution from its 19th-century origins to contemporary explorations that push the boundaries of image-making. Visitors encounter early photographs that reflect the technical and artistic innovations of the medium’s pioneers, as well as iconic 20th-century works that shaped visual culture in America and beyond.

At the same time, the museum actively embraces contemporary photographic practice, acquiring and exhibiting works that address urgent social, cultural, and environmental issues. The photography collection includes artists who challenge conventional narratives, experiment with new technologies, and explore the intersections of identity, memory, and place. Through rotating displays and special exhibitions, the museum ensures that photography is integrated into larger conversations about art and society, rather than treated as a separate discipline.

For students, educators, and the public, UMFA’s photography holdings are a resource for both visual study and critical dialogue. Programs such as gallery tours, lectures, and interactive learning opportunities encourage visitors to think about photography not only as a record of reality but as a powerful form of creative expression.

By highlighting photography alongside painting, sculpture, and global artifacts, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts affirms the camera’s central role in documenting history, shaping cultural identity, and inspiring new ways of seeing the world.