FMoPA - Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, known as FMoPA, stands as a cultural landmark devoted entirely to the power of photography. Since its beginnings in 2001, the museum has grown into one of Tampa’s most vital artistic institutions, recognized for both its innovative exhibitions and its strong community outreach. Founded by Cynthia L. Flowers, along with Charles J. Levin and Vincent Sorrentino, the museum began as the Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts, opening with the acclaimed exhibition “Masters of Black & White.” From this modest start, it quickly built a reputation for presenting photography as a central medium of contemporary life and culture.

FMoPA’s mission has always gone beyond preserving and exhibiting important works by national and international photographers. Equally significant is its dedication to education and social engagement. Early initiatives such as the Children’s Literacy Through Photography Program laid the foundation for ongoing efforts to reach underserved communities. By inspiring children to capture, print, and write about their photographs, the program fosters creativity, literacy, and self-expression. Over time, the museum has expanded its offerings to include adult classes, workshops, and youth summer camps, making photography accessible to a wide spectrum of learners.

The museum’s story is also one of movement and growth. After its original home in Hyde Park Village, FMoPA relocated in 2006 to the striking Cube in downtown Tampa’s Rivergate Plaza. In 2023, it took another transformative step by moving into the historic Kress Building in Ybor City, positioning itself within a thriving artistic neighborhood. This relocation not only preserved its legacy but also opened new opportunities for collaboration with other cultural organizations and art communities.

Today, FMoPA remains dedicated to its mission of inspiring and educating through photography. By balancing world-class exhibitions with grassroots programs, it continues to enrich Tampa’s cultural landscape while advancing photography as an art form of enduring relevance.