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Visiting photography museums has become one of the significant cultural sites where visitors come to be part of the advancement of visual storytelling. These institutions showcase photography from its earliest forms, like daguerreotypes, to modern digital compositions. Here, visitors learn about photography that ranges from the early daguerreotypes to modern-day digital compositions. Many museums layout unique experiences, from interactivity to workshops, allowing visitors to see photography as one of the creative arts and also one of the social and political mediums.
Top 9 Photography Museums Around The Globe
Here are nine of the most renowned photography museums worldwide, celebrated for their collections, exhibitions, and contributions to the art of photography:
1. George Eastman Museum, USA
Photo: Mattlapointe / Wikimedia Commons
The George Eastman Museum is the oldest photography museum in the world and among the wealthiest film archives established in 1949. It is located in Rochester, New York, and established in a historic mansion of George Eastman, the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company. The museum safeguards his legacy, and at the same time, showcases history itself, how photography and motion pictures have grown. The large collections include over 400,000 photographs including images from the earliest daguerreotypes. The museum has one of the largest film preservation laboratories within the United States.
Location: 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, USA
Operating Hours: Wednesday- Saturday: 10 AM- 5 PM; Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM; Closed Monday & Tuesday
Entry Fees: $20 / ₹1,660, $18 / ₹1,494 for seniors (62+), and $7 / ₹581 for youth (5 – 17)
2. Maison Européenne De La Photographie, France
Photo: Mbzt / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1997, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie specialises in the contemporary art of photography and is located in the historic Marais district of Paris. MEP has exhibited varied photographic works since the opening and reflected the changes in the photographic landscape. The large collection in the museum exceeds 20,000 works, including photographs, videos, and multimedia installations. Hosting temporary exhibitions with established and emerging photographers, MEP provokes a dynamic dialogue within the photographic community.
Location: 5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris, France
Operating Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11 AM- 8 PM; Closed Monday & Tuesday
Entry Fees: Adults: €10 / ₹900; Reduced: €6 / ₹540; Free for EU visitors under 26 & first Sunday of the month
3. Foam Fotografiemuseum, Netherlands
Photo: Silar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Foam Fotografiemuseum, an original museum for photography in all its forms located along the famous Keizersgracht canal of Amsterdam, started off with the ambition to provide an adaptable platform for both budding and established talent. Opening in 2002 since then, it became a dynamic hub for both new and established photographers presenting a wide variety of exhibitions, from historical works to contemporary projects. Foam’s programming includes the solo or group exhibition approach in combination with other activities like talks, workshops, and screenings, creating an atmosphere with the visitors.
Location: Keizersgracht 609, 1017 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 AM- 6 PM; Thursday & Friday until 9 PM
Entry Fees: Adults: €15 / ₹1,350; Students & Youth (12 – 17): €12.50 / ₹1,125; Children under 12: Free
4. Victoria And Albert Museum / Photography Centre, UK
Photo: Alistair Wettin / Wikimedia Commons
With over half a million images dating back to when photography began in 1839, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is one of the leading photography museums globally. The Photography Centre of the museum, launched in 2018, has therefore become a place where this material is shown, from such pioneers as William Henry Fox Talbot through to current practitioners. The V&A embraces, through educational programming, workshops, and talks, the impact that this medium has had on history and continues to have in the present.
Location: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 AM- 5:45 PM; Friday until 10 PM
Entry Fees: Free
5. Museum Of Photography, Germany
Photo: Yonezawa-Shi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Perched in Berlin, the Museum of Photography (Museum für Fotografie) stands as a premier institution dedicated to the art and history of photography. Since its opening in 2004, it has gained international recognition through its diverse exhibitions, spanning from early 19th-century photography to contemporary works. Within the museum, visitors can explore the Helmut Newton Foundation, which honors the legendary fashion photographer by showcasing his work alongside that of other influential artists. Additionally, the museum regularly hosts thematic and monographic exhibitions, delving into various photographic techniques and genres, including documentary, fashion, avant-garde, and experimental photography.
Location: Jebensstraße 2, 10623 Berlin, Germany
Operating Hours: Tuesday- Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM; Weekends: 11 AM- 6 PM; Closed Monday
Entry Fees: Adults: €10 / ₹900; Reduced: €5 / ₹450; Children under 18: Free
6. Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Japan
Photo: Rs1421 / Wikimedia Commons
The TOP Museum, a leading institution in Tokyo dedicated to photography and moving images, is situated in Ebisu. Since its opening in 1995, it has curated a diverse range of exhibitions featuring both Japanese and international photographers, spanning genres from art photography to photojournalism. With a collection of over 36,000 works, the museum preserves the historical evolution of the medium while engaging with contemporary visual narratives. Beyond exhibitions, the TOP Museum fosters a deeper appreciation for visual culture through educational programs, workshops, and film screenings. It also houses a specialised library, reinforcing its role as a vital hub for photographic art in Japan.
Location: Yebisu Garden Place, 1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0062, Japan
Operating Hours: Tuesday- Sunday: 10 AM- 6 PM; Thursday & Friday until 8 PM; Closed Monday
Entry Fees: ¥500- ¥700 / ₹275 – ₹385
7. Fotografiska, Sweden, USA, Estonia, Germany
Photo: Rotavdrag / Wikimedia Commons
Fotografiska is a dynamic institution dedicated entirely to contemporary photography, with locations in Stockholm, New York, Tallinn, and Berlin. Founded in 2010 in Stockholm, it quickly gained international recognition for its bold and thought-provoking exhibitions. Unlike traditional museums, Fotografiska does not maintain a permanent collection. Instead, it curates rotating exhibitions that showcase both established and emerging photographers, covering fine art, documentary photography, and pressing social and environmental issues. Beyond its galleries, Fotografiska offers a rich cultural program, including workshops, artist talks, and live events, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
Stockholm Location: Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm, Sweden
Operating Hours: Sunday- Wednesday: 10 AM – 11 PM; Thursday- Saturday: 10 AM – 1 AM
Entry Fees: Adults: SEK 165 / ₹1,320; Seniors & Students: SEK 135 / ₹1,080; Youth (12 – 18): SEK 65 / ₹520; Children under 12: Free
8. Centro De La Imagen, México
Photo: Difusión Centro de la Imagen / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1993 in Mexico City, Centro de la Imagen has become a leading institution dedicated to photography, visual culture, and contemporary image-making. Committed to advancing photographic discourse, it offers a dynamic program of exhibitions, workshops, and academic initiatives for both emerging and established photographers. The museum also organizes major events such as FotoMéxico, a biennial festival that gathers experts and scholars to explore global photography trends. Housed in the historic Ciudadela building, Centro de la Imagen features a specialized library and an extensive archive of books and documents, solidifying its role as a key hub for photographic research and appreciation.
Location: Ciudadela Building, Mexico City, Mexico
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: Free
9. Shanghai Center of Photography, China
Photo: Lcsun / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 2015, the Shanghai Center of Photography (SCoP) is China’s first independent museum dedicated to photography. Established by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Liu Heung Shing, SCoP serves as a bridge between Chinese and international photographic arts through its exhibitions, educational programs, and collaborations. Showcasing a diverse range of styles—including documentary, fine art, and commercial fashion photography—SCoP presents both contemporary and historical perspectives. Located in the West Bund art district, a rapidly growing cultural hub, the museum attracts photography enthusiasts, scholars, and artists from around the world.
Location: West Bund Art District, Shanghai, China
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: General admission- ¥30 – ¥60 / ₹16.50 – ₹33
Photography museums across the globe provide profound insights into the art of visual storytelling as it has evolved over time, preserving the history of a people through images and even beyond. Old vintage archives and contemporary exhibitions have all catered to a thrilling experience for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. These are inevitable places should you be looking for inspiration or cultural education. You can explore these museums by planning a trip to these destinations with TripXL, without any hassle.
Cover Photo: Johan Jönsson (Julle) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
