Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa was established in 2001 by Charles Levin and Vincent Sorrentino as a museum for photography.& It was originally known as the Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts. The Masters of Black and White was the opening show featuring artists such as Ansel Adams, Berenice Abbott, Willy Ronis, and many others. Past exhibitions have included Post 9-11: Slices of Life from Countries Once Foreign - Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Israel,and the photograph of Charles 'Teenie' Harris charting life on Pittsburgh's Hill District from the 1930s — 1950s.
In 2006 the museum moved to new premises in downtown Tampa and became known as the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. The museum has collections of both historic and contemporary photographic works featuring national and international artists. It hosts regular critically-acclaimed changing exhibitions and the FMOPA's Annual Member's Show.
The museum has a program of lectures and workshops where participants can learn about a range of photographic techniques from local artists. These include the Digital Lunch where you can learn about digital camera handling and use — bring your lunch and the Museum supplies beverages and desserts. Lectures are held by artists and museum curators.
The museum also operates a range of outreach activities to involve children and the wider community in the photographic arts. There are hands-on workshops with artists and the children's literacy through photography program.
The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm and a donation of $4.00 in suggested. The museum caters for private events in its galleries.
