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FMoPA - Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts was founded in 2001 by a group of visionary friends who understood the importance of exhibiting photographic art in a formal Museum setting. FMoPA emerged as a captivating sanctuary, preserving the artistry and chronicles of human existence through the lens in the Tampa Bay area. This immersive institution transcends mere exhibits, inviting patrons to embark on a mesmerizing journey through visual history.
In the spring of 2001, Cynthia L. Flowers (a business owner) put forward the idea of starting a photography museum in Tampa. Shortly thereafter, Charles J. Levin (an attorney), Vincent Sorrentino (an art dealer from New York) and Cynthia established the Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts, a gallery dedicated exclusively to photography. Working in close cooperation with Madison Marquette, the owner of Hyde Park Village, exhibition space for the gallery was secured. “Masters of Black & White,” its’ first exhibition, consisted of 50 iconic black and white images borrowed from private collections. With many of the early shows curated by Vincent Sorrentino, critical acclaim followed.
In the fall of 2001, Cynthia began the Museum’s first children’s outreach program. This initiative involved educating under-served children on photography as a creative outlet at the USF/ Patel Partnership Elementary School located at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Since this partnership, education and engagement have since remained at the core of FMoPA’s mission. Through its innovative programming, including workshops, lectures, and guided tours, the museum seeks to demystify the art of photography and make it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. By offering opportunities for hands-on learning and creative expression, FMoPA empowers individuals to explore their own photographic talents and develop a deeper understanding of the medium.
In the summer of 2006, the Museum was renamed the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, or FMoPA, and relocated to downtown Tampa. After years of continued growth, it then moved to the Waterfront Arts District in Rivergate Plaza’s architecturally significant Cube Building. Most recently, FMoPA embarked on its latest relocation to the historic Kress Building in Ybor City. Situated next to other vibrant art communities, this move has placed FMoPA at the heart of this artistic hub, fostering collaborations with neighboring art communities, galleries, and cultural organizations.
FMoPA has hosted a multitude of significant exhibitions featuring renowned photographers whose works have left indelible marks on the art world. Iconic names such as Ansel Adams, Man Ray, Diane Arbus, Herb Snitzer, Berenice Abbott, Dorothea Lange, Clyde Butcher, and so many more.
The Museum will soon exhibit works by influential artists Joel Meyerowitz and Gary Monroe, coming March 2024.
As FMoPA looks towards the future, its mission remains steadfast – to celebrate the art of photography and inspire creative expression in all its forms. Through its dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach efforts, the museum continues to serve as a beacon of artistic excellence and a catalyst for cultural dialogue.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a cultural landmark in Tampa, FMoPA has played a vital role in preserving the rich history of photography while also pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation. As it embarks on its next chapter in Ybor City, the museum remains committed to its founding principles of artistic excellence, education, and community engagement, ensuring that the art of photography continues to thrive for generations to come. •
