MoCP - Museum of Contemporary Photography

The Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) at Columbia College Chicago stands as one of the leading institutions in the United States devoted entirely to the art of photography. Founded in 1976 as an evolution of the Chicago Center for Contemporary Photography, MoCP has built a reputation for championing both established and emerging voices in photographic art. Since beginning its permanent collection in 1979, the museum has expanded its holdings to nearly 18,000 works by more than 2,000 artists, creating a powerful archive that reflects the evolving nature of photography and its role in shaping contemporary culture.

As an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums, MoCP is deeply committed to fostering critical conversations around the visual image. Through a dynamic program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and interactive events, the museum invites visitors to explore how photography intersects with issues such as identity, memory, politics, and media. From documentary practices to conceptual experimentation, the museum’s exhibitions consistently challenge expectations and encourage deeper engagement with the world through the lens of photography.

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, MoCP serves as both an academic resource and a public institution. It plays a central role in the creative life of Columbia College, offering students firsthand access to works by globally recognized photographers and curatorial professionals. At the same time, its exhibitions and public programs reach beyond the college community to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether presenting retrospectives of influential artists or showcasing the perspectives of new talent, the Museum of Contemporary Photography remains at the forefront of photographic discourse. It is a place where images become tools for inquiry and inspiration, and where the power of photography continues to be explored, questioned, and celebrated in all its complexity.