The Museum of Modern Art Department of Photography

The Museum of Modern Art’s (MoMA) Department of Photography is one of the world’s most respected and comprehensive photography collections. 

The department’s holdings, spanning over 200,000 works, look into the history and art of photography from its earliest days to the present. 

The department’s curators are dedicated to acquiring the best and most innovative photography being made today! 

History of the Department of Photography 

MoMA began collecting photography in 1930. 

The Department of Photography was established in 1940. It was one of the first museums in the world to do so. 

The department’s first curator was Beaumont Newhall, who was a pioneer in the field of photography history. 

The vision was to collect the best examples of photography from around the world and to make the collection accessible to scholars, students, and the general public.

Collection in the Department of Photography, MoMA

Collection in the Department of Photography, MoMA
Image: Moma.org

The Department of Photography’s collection is one of the most comprehensive and important worldwide. 

It includes works by some of the most famous photographers in history, such as Alfred Stieglitz, Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, and Walker Evans. 

The collection also includes works by lesser-known but important photographers and anonymous photographs.

The department’s collection is strong in all areas of photography, from documentary and portraiture to landscape and abstract photography. 

The collection includes various photographic processes, from early daguerreotypes to contemporary digital prints.

Exhibitions held by the Department of Photography

The Department of Photography organizes a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. 

These exhibitions showcase the department’s collection, as well as the work of contemporary photographers. 

The department also hosts a variety of public programs, such as lectures, workshops, and film screenings.

Research

Research
Image: Moma.org

The Department of Photography is a center for research on the history and art of photography. 

The curators are scholars who publish books and articles on photography. The department also hosts visiting scholars and fellows who research the collection.

Education

The Department of Photography is committed to educating the public about photography. 

It offers a variety of educational programs, such as classes, tours, and online resources. 

It also works with schools and other organizations to bring photography education to a wider audience.

The Department of Photography Today

The Department of Photography is a vital part of MoMA. 

The department’s collection, exhibitions, and educational programs make it a valuable resource for scholars, students, and the general public. 

The department is committed to making photography accessible to everyone, and it plays a leading role in photography.

As a novice photographer or just an enthusiast, a visit to one of the many exhibitions by the Department of Photography in at MoMA is a must-do for you. 

Featured Image: Moma.org

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