The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA), founded in 1983, possesses an international reputation of excellence through its presentation of high quality exhibitions, lectures, publications and films. A museum without walls since 1972, MOPA became what it is today when the City of San Diego donated a 7,000-square-foot, custom-designed space in the Casa de Balboa Building in Balboa Park. MOPA became one of the first museum facilities in the United States exclusively designed to collect and present the finest examples of photographic art, spanning the history of photography from the 19th century to the present day.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Museum of Photographic Arts is to inspire, educate and engage the broadest possible audience through the presentation, collection and preservation of photography, film and video.