Photography plays a vital part in our understanding of the world. We are proud to be home to an unrivalled collection of 19th century and early 20th century photography – as well as the first ever negative.
The ever-changing cultural and technical landscape has ensured that photography continues to fascinate and challenge us. Through our photography collections, permanent galleries, changing exhibitions and events, we reflect and explore photography's multiple roles, its history and its continuing impact on society.
When you visit the National Media Museum you can visit The Kodak Gallery which takes you on a journey through the history of popular photography, from the world's first photographs to today's digital snapshots. Materials on display in this gallery are taken from the 35,000 objects and images collected by Kodak Ltd and donated to the museum in the 1980s. We also have a varied programme of changing exhibitions, and we always have at least one photography exhibition. We regularly show photographs from our collections, often alongside contemporary works. Visit the exhibitions pages to see what we have on display today.
Photography Collection
Photography Collection
Explore an online selection of the Museum's extensive Photography Collection.
Exhibitions
Don McCullin: In England
Don McCullin is one of our greatest photographers. This exhibition presents his personal vision of England in photographs taken over a 50-year career. Raw, powerful, compassionate images of an England where the line between the wealthy and the deprived is as defined as ever.
The Commons
The Commons on Flickr
The National Media Museum displays some its collections on Flickr as part of The Commons project. You're very welcome to view the images and add comments to the selections.
Photography Bursary
Photography Bursary 2009
The National Media Museum has announced a third programme of Annual Bursary Awards for photographic projects. The Awards granted will again be up to a sum of £20,000.
Buy prints online
Buy Prints Online
Choose from a growing selection of inspiring, historic and stunning photographs – and have your own high quality print delivered to your door.
Exhibitions
Animalism
Looking at both pets and wildlife, animalism explores the presence of animals in modern media and investigates our curious, contradictory and sometimes unsettling relationship with the animal world.
What's On
The Real Thing? Staging, Manipulation and Photographic Truth
The National Media Museum and the Royal Photographic Society present a conference looking at staging and manipulation in a historical context, and how it has influenced contemporary image-makers.
What's On
Photocamp Bradford
Photocamp Bradford is the latest in a series of workshops for people serious about improving their photography and photo-editing skills.
Reminiscence sessions
Twice a month we provide photos from the Daily Herald archive, followed by a short programme from TV Heaven collection to inspire your recollections of a particular aspect of life. Come along to these friendly sessions and meet new friends.