SMP - Southeast Museum of Photography

The Southeast Museum of Photography, located at Daytona State College, has established itself as one of the premier institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to the photographic arts. Since opening its doors in 1992, the museum has become Florida’s most comprehensive photography museum and the largest of its kind in the Southeast. It is also one of only a handful of American institutions with such a focused dedication to the collection, exhibition, and study of photography.

The museum organizes six exhibition seasons each year, presenting around twenty shows that range from solo retrospectives to thematic surveys and vintage collections. Over the years, SMP has increasingly emphasized exhibitions that highlight Florida’s cultural and artistic landscape, bringing attention to photographers connected to the state while also showcasing internationally renowned artists and photojournalists. This dual commitment ensures that the museum remains rooted in its regional context while maintaining a global perspective.

Beyond its exhibitions, SMP actively develops original curatorial projects, generating new research and advancing photography as both a field of study and a cultural practice. Public programs, lectures, and workshops complement the exhibition schedule, providing visitors with opportunities to engage directly with artists and scholars. These initiatives underline the museum’s academic foundation while extending its impact into the broader community.

At its core, the museum seeks to explore photography’s role in shaping how we understand culture, memory, identity, and history. By presenting diverse viewpoints and visual narratives, SMP offers audiences multiple entry points to appreciate the significance of photography both as a documentary tool and a medium of personal expression.

Through its exhibitions, programs, and outreach, the Southeast Museum of Photography continues to foster dialogue around the power of images, positioning itself as both a cultural resource for Florida and a significant contributor to the national and international photographic conversation.