Museum Of Photographic Arts

Outstanding museum! A+++. I would even put it in the running for best museum in Balboa Park.
Let’s start off with the aesthetics. This place is on point in displaying all of its work in the most visually appealing way possible. The lighting is brightened and dimmed in all the right spots that you get a great feel for the subject matter in each room. They use their spacing very well and the rooms felt neither clustered or too spread out.
With each room, I found myself more drawn in to all of the incredible images. Some of these images were untitled which lead me to play a game. I would look at the photo, provoke some thought into it, interpret it, and title it the way I interpreted it. This fully immersed me into the experience and made it that much better. Iwould actually suggest you look do this for all of the images first whether they have a title or not… if you’re in the mood of course… who knows, you might enjoy it too :)
The opening act during my visit was the «Beauty and the Beast» exhibit showcasing various ways animals are showcased in photography. This was to celebrate the centennial of the San Diego Zoo. It was stunning! Similarly, they also had a smaller section on anthropomorphism — giving human-​like characteristics to animals through photography. This was creepy, but creepily cool!
Another distinguishable exhibit was «Defying Darkness». It captured how images are used to delve into the symbolic and visual potential of night photography. All I can say is WOW! These images made me want to bust out my Nikon D3000 DSLR because my iPhone 5c just isn’t cutting it with night photography…
They also had a stellar portrait room with a «self-​reflection» theme. I believe this is a permanent exhibit. Here, they showed what mankind would look like combining the genetic makeup of all humans. Apparently if you superimpose images of everyone in the world into a single image, they would be 57% Asian, 26% White, and 7% Black. Doesn’t really add up and where are the Hispanics??? Point is, this is one of many neat things to see and do in this place.
Regular price is $ 8 for adults or free for locals on Free Museum Tuesday (usually 2^nd Tuesday of the month). They also have a flexible pay-​what-​you-​wish pricing model occasionally which is neat.
Amazing, astounding, astonishing. This is a must see attraction.

I liked it but it was interesting to see that their mug shot exhibit featured 4 out 6 names with spanish names. Although they are old pics I feel that this place should be a bit more sensitive to what is going in today’s age. We really don’t need to be re-​living those days. I’m just saying that they should consider they diversity of people coming in. Tourist who come in and see this will see that Hispanics have been criminal’s…as if other races and cultures are not criminals.
Also, I think that young hipster guy should just stop walking and seeing if I’m up to doing something wrong.

This is one of my favorite museums. The location being in balboa park is beautiful! After viewing the images in the museum you can walk around to see the great landscape and other art. I really like coming here at least twice a year. The parking can be a pain but coming early is always the best thing to do to find a spot!

One of the perks of Unilocal Spring Break was a free entry to this museum.
TBH this museum is a bit small for my liking. I was most excited for the «America’s Cathedrals: Photography and the National Parks,» unfortunately, it was just a small hallway worth of photographs. Although, they were all beautiful!
«Flor Garduño: Trilogy,» was spread over 3 different smaller rooms. Beautiful black and white photography– loved many of the prints.
The lady dragging her feet in sandals and taking flash pictures of every print might have added to me not being too please with this establishment.
While thankful for the complimentary visit, I wasn’t terribly impressed.

The Admission: Flexible pay what you wish admission price through 5÷29÷2016
It is a small museum. There are a few good photos but the exhibit is just okay.
There is a gift shop inside the museum as well.

What a lovely venue!
I’d never set foot inside before a wedding I attended last weekend. It was the perfect setting for my dear friends to celebrate their nuptials. They, as a couple, are really into photography and so it was a true reflection of their taste.
I was early, and helped a pal doing the flowers load in so I also got a glimpse of the back of the house support. This joint is run like clockwork and with happy, helpful staff. If you have a special event, I very much suggest it.
The reception was in the main hall through glass doors — It held about 120 people in large round tables, a little tight and not much room for a large dance floor — but there was space with a sweetheart table for first and family dances. The bride and groom booked a bar, had a appetizer table and room for guest book trinkets and a cake table. DJ had room too, so it all worked with a nice flow.
Dinner was served buffet style outside of the main room down a hallway — easy enough. The caterer seemed to manager just fine.
We had a lovely time and also walked around the quality exhibition. It’s about 3 large rooms, one leading into the next. Lighting was on point

My theatre company hosted or annual fundraiser at MOPA. It was an incredible venue. The staff made everything easy. We were able to run slideshows on their three flat screen TV s really easily and our guests were able to tour the galleries during the event. It really gave our event an incredibly upscale feel. Plus we didn’t have to decorate all that much cuz the venue is so new and elegant looking. I would TOTALLY host another event there!

I really enjoy the Museum of Photographic Arts. I love visiting these types of museums because it allows me to be creative and look at the world through a different set of lens.
It is a good place to stop by while in Balboa Park.

Great disappointment. This is in no way a «museum», just an exhibition hall. And even the exhibition was just worth being displayed in a shopping mall corridors (photos from art students about «selfies»). The one on Minor White really didn’t impress me either.
So please, do change the name for «Free photos exhibition».
I’m just glad I spent «only» $ 10 «on donation» for my 3 kids and myself. Although the «donation» thing is really not a good idea. Make it a 50% discount day.

It is a good idea for a photographic art specific museum. But really, it is a very small exhibition.
The environment is clean and the running exhibition is nice. But you can probably be in and out within 30 minutes except if you are hardcode fans of photo art.
One thing I do not feel comfortable is that we visited on a Wednesday which is supposed to be
a «Pay What You Wish» day according to the website and also a sign just outside the entrance. When we entered and was looking about where to pay, a lady in a front desk like place called us and told us it is $ 5 required donation.
Then what in the world you call it «Pay What You Wish» day then?
If it is a required fee, then it is not called «Donation»
Just be honest, call it a discount day

This was my first time to the Museum of Photographic Arts, and to Balboa park as well. The Museum is fairly small with 3 exhibition rooms and is tastefully understated so the focus is on the art. There is also a small gift shop with a nice collection of photography books to purchase.
The current exhibition is on American photographer, Minor White, who’s works portray some incredible balance of light and shadow. The exhibit was displayed in different series that Minor White put together, with images often separated by decades. Some really powerful stuff in this exhibit. If you get a chance to see this show, by all means do… or just go to MoPA to see what other exhibits they have going on.

I went during December nights which was open to the public for free. They do have some odd pictures and makes you wonder who decided that this is art???

Ryan and Melissa were both so helpful throughout the wedding planning process. Melissa met with us to go over the museum layout and helped us create a floor plan for the reception. She was knowledgeable about the MOPA event space, friendly, and responsive through email whenever we had questions. On the day of the event, Ryan and Melissa worked well with their team as well as other vendors to make sure that the museum was turned into a great reception space in time for the guests’ arrival. MOPA is definitely a unique place to hold your wedding reception and I have all positive things to say about their staff. I would recommend others to consider MOPA for their wedding and events.

You must see the «7 billion others» exhibit. Very moving and meaningful!

The project asked meaning of life questions to thousands of people around the planet. It was fascinating to watch common threads across humanity concerning dreams, fears, love. This exhibit helps one to tweak life and put things into perspective.

I wasn’t sure what to expect here, but I thoroughly enjoyed 2 of the 4 exhibits. I can see how the exhibits make or break your visit.
There was a video installation as one of the exhibits. I found myself getting pulled in by the stories of the people in the videos. I could have stayed there a long time. Another exhibit was a series of portraits that almost looked like paintings, and that I felt had a sense of humor. I loved it.
I’m not sure how to rate this, since I enjoyed it a lot, but it depends on the exhibits. I’d say, check the website first to see what’s there – but then again, you don’t know if you’ll like it until you see it… just try it. I’d definitely return.

MOPA is by far one of my favorite museums at Balboa Park. The museum revolves on visual photographic art. They recently remodeled and everything looks so nice and fresh. Recently this museum was generous enough to provide my school club with 10 free tickets to the museum. Aside from being awesome to students they are trying a pay what you wish program where you can come to the museum and (you guest it) pay what you want! They are a wonderful organization and if you’re ever in Balboa make sure you come in to their exhibits.

MOPA is only as good as the exhibitions that are currently showing. Sometimes they have good ones, sometimes not so good. They have between six and ten exhibitions per year, so it’s basically hit and miss. There are only three exhibition rooms, so the museum is quite small.
The museum store used to be quite good, but has gone downhill as they sell more «stuff» than books.
If you are a photographer and want to support the museum membership may be a good idea as it also gives you unlimited admission and also access to the Photography Library which is on the second floor and which is one of the finest of its kind.
On a personal note, I am the founder and organizer of the Pacific Photographic Society, the largest and most active hands-​on photography group in the San Diego area with over 1,600 members. I have repeatedly tried to work together with the museum, but to no avail. The personnel turn over at the museum is quite high and there is no interest on their part to work together with the local photographic community. A real pity as I think everyone could benefit.

Happened upon MOPA while searching for a ladies lounge in Balboa Park. Kool place dedicated to a popular medium.
But isn’t everyone a photographer in this day and age of pervasive social media? Look at me, look at my stuff, look at what I see eat drink do daily, look at my incredible exciting important life…
So much visual dreck and irrelevant junk in the cloud, that the ‘art’ in photography might very well be lost. If not for places like this independent museum. I do appreciate well-​composed, unique, interesting photography. Historical ones are fascinating and revealing.
MoPA values video, film, technology, and all the ways real-​life images are captured. To document people, places, things. Moments of time. Views of the world. Major renovations in 2014 brought about a big new gift shop, a 1,200-square-foot gallery, better signage and displays, and new carpet and seating upholstery in the film screening theatre.
Enthusiasts can check out the Photo Auction held every other year in October. Decorate your wall or shelf while supporting the museum.
Admission fees are $ 8 adults, $ 7 seniors and retired military with ID, $ 6 students with ID. MoPA is free to museum members, active military, and children 12 and under.
Myself not being much of a photog, I forgot to snap a picture here. Which visitors are in fact encouraged to do. Whoa yeah. meta.

A fantastic little museum showcasing some amazing photography! This might be one of the only museums I’ve visited, where they encourage people to take photos and share it on social media.
Admission fee is $ 8.

Small museum but always showing very interesting exhibitions. One of my favorite museums in Balboa Park, the personnel working there is awesome. Last night, during the Photo-​auction 2013 I had the opportunity to discuss with several artists working there and also in outreach programs at schools in the SD county and learn new and old concepts about photography and different techniques. Everybody was very nice and approachable.
Another thing I like of MOPA is their theater. It is beautiful, not huge but enough to accommodate many viewers and is my favorite to watch all the Italian film festival movies they show every year. If you are interested in watching international movies, check out their programs. I just discovered there is the German film festival happening also first weekend of October, so worth a visit also for film lovers.