MoMA - The Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City has been a leading force in recognizing photography as a vital form of modern and contemporary art. Its commitment to the medium began in 1930, when it first started acquiring photographs, and was solidified a decade later with the creation of a dedicated photography department in 1940. Today, MoMA’s photography collection has grown to encompass more than 25,000 works, making it one of the most significant and influential collections in the world.

Reflecting the diversity and versatility of photography, the collection spans a wide range of creators and contexts. It features works by renowned artists whose images have shaped visual culture, as well as photographs made by journalists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and amateurs. This breadth highlights the medium’s ability to cross disciplines and serve as a tool for both artistic expression and documentation.

The collection covers the full history of modern photography, from early 20th-century pioneers to cutting-edge contemporary practitioners. Iconic works sit alongside experimental projects, offering a rich dialogue between different eras, movements, and perspectives. Visitors can encounter everything from classic black-and-white prints to conceptual explorations, documentary narratives, and innovative uses of digital technology.

MoMA’s photography program is not limited to preserving important works; it actively engages with new ideas and fosters dialogue about the role of photography in society. Through groundbreaking exhibitions, scholarly research, and publications, the museum continually redefines how the medium is understood and appreciated.

By bringing together images from around the globe and across disciplines, MoMA’s photography collection reflects the complexity, beauty, and transformative power of the photographic image, affirming its place at the heart of modern and contemporary art.