Museum of Photographic Arts

Overview

The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) is a visual arts museum in San Diego, California, dedicated to collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and contextualizing the world's finest and most diverse forms of photography, video, and digital imagery. It is the oldest institution in the country devoted to the collection and study of photography as an art form.

MOPA is the first museum in the United States dedicated to photography as an art form, and is located in a historic building in Balboa Park.

Art Photography

Location

Address

1649 El Prado, San Diego, California

Neighborhood: Balboa Park

Coordinates

32.735900, -117.155200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$12

Children

$6

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May and October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and better lighting for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

pleasant

• spring gardens
• special exhibitions

summer

hot

• extended summer hours

autumn

cool

• fall colors
• special exhibitions

winter

cool

• holiday decorations
• special exhibitions

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring valid ID
Check website for exhibitions

What to Bring

essential

ID tickets water

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

large bags flash photography

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low

• none

Medical facilities: first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $12

parking $10

food $15

souvenirs $20

Dress Code

casual, comfortable shoes, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks
• official website
• 48 hours
• available online

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

MOPA App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Exhibition details, Tickets

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: San Diego International Airport

Distance: 5 km

Travel Time: 15 minutes

taxi

$20 15 min

public_transport

$2.50 30 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro

$2.50 20 min

bus

$2.50 25 min

taxi

$10 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique art and beautiful gardens

Historical Significance: First museum dedicated to photography as an art form in the US

Insider Tips

Free entry for locals on certain days
Best coffee at the on-site cafe

Local Recommendations

• Try the cafe
• Ask for guide recommendations

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Balboa Park entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide angle

Result: Great architectural shot

#photography #art #SanDiego

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, specific indoor areas

prohibited areas some exhibitions

flash photography not allowed in exhibitions

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy prohibited

tripod policy restricted

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

San Diego Zoo

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Zoo

Botanical Building

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Garden

Timken Museum of Art

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.5

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book online"
"Visit early"
"Great for photography lovers"

Contact Information

+16192382555

info@mopa.org

www.mopa.org

Social Media

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