Museum of Photographic Arts

MOPA@SDMA at Balboa Park in San Diego, California

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Admission Hours

Thursday – Sunday
11 AM – 5 PM

Closed Monday – Wednesday. Special hours and closures may apply.

Free Under 18

Adults $10, seniors 65+ $7. Free for members, youth 17 and under, current students with ID, and military with ID plus one guest. A combined ticket for the San Diego Museum of Art and MOPA@SDMA costs $30 for adults or $20 for seniors and is valid for seven consecutive days.

Location of Museum of Photographic Arts

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About the Museum of Photographic Arts

The Museum of Photographic Arts, founded in 1983, is one of the few museums in the United States dedicated to photography, film and video. Following its merger with the San Diego Museum of Art, it now operates as MOPA@SDMA and continues its exhibitions and film programs in its longtime home in Casa de Balboa.

Casa de Balboa is one of the Spanish Colonial Revival landmarks along El Prado in Balboa Park. Inside, MOPA@SDMA presents changing photography exhibitions, along with lectures, screenings and events in the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater.

What Can You Expect at the Museum of Photographic Arts?

Exhibitions range from historic masters of photography to contemporary artists working with the camera. Current exhibitions include Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World (through January 10, 2027) and Betsabeé Romero: Tejiendo Redes (Weaving Nets) (through January 3, 2027).

Non-flash photography for personal use is allowed in most galleries. If you plan to see both museums, the combined San Diego Museum of Art and MOPA@SDMA ticket is the best value, and it is valid for a week.