UCR - California Museum of Photography

Located in downtown Riverside, California, the UCR California Museum of Photography is a vital part of UCR ARTS, a dynamic arts complex affiliated with the University of California, Riverside. As the West Coast’s foremost university photography museum, the California Museum of Photography offers a unique fusion of academic research, public engagement, and artistic innovation. Just 60 miles from Los Angeles, it draws international audiences and scholars seeking to engage with the rich history and evolving practices of photography and visual culture.

Established in 1973, the museum holds one of the most extensive photography collections in the country, with more than 500,000 items that chronicle the medium’s evolution from its earliest days to contemporary digital forms. The collection includes rare prints, negatives, photographic equipment, and significant archival materials that support in-depth research and inspire diverse exhibitions. Through its thoughtfully curated programs, the museum presents both historical and cutting-edge works, highlighting the enduring relevance of photography in today’s world.

UCR ARTS also encompasses the Barbara & Art Culver Center of the Arts, which opened in 2010 and offers a broader platform for contemporary visual and performing arts. The Culver Center features a state-of-the-art 72-seat screening room, a striking atrium gallery bathed in natural light, and spaces for exhibitions, dance, and experimental performances. It is a vital venue for independent, foreign, and documentary films, screening over 250 titles annually and fostering critical dialogue through cinema.

Together, the California Museum of Photography and the Culver Center form a hub of cultural exploration and interdisciplinary collaboration. With its commitment to research, community engagement, and artistic excellence, UCR ARTS stands as a beacon of creative inquiry and a cornerstone of Riverside’s cultural landscape.