The Photography Collection encompasses photography’s history, from 1839 to the present, with strengths in 19th- and 20th-century American masterworks.

The Photography galleries in the Bloch Building display a survey of the creative history of the medium from daguerreotypes to 21st-century processes. New installations are presented about three times a year.

The museum made its first significant acquisition of photographs in 1957, with the gift of 60 prints by Edward Weston. In December of 2005, through a combination gift and purchase, the museum obtained the renowned Hallmark Photographic Collection, which was comprised of more than 6,500 works by 900 artists. This acquisition immediately distinguished the Nelson-Atkins as one of the world’s premier museums for photography.

Hall Family Foundation

Through the generous support of The Hall Family Foundation, the photography collection continues to flourish. Since 2005, it has grown steadily, with ongoing additions of American photographs, including substantial bodies of works by Ray K. Metzker and Terry Evans.

Hallmark Photographic Collection

Founded in 1964, the Hallmark Photographic Collection contains superb examples by virtually all major practitioners in the medium’s early and modern history. In addition to singular works of superior quality by a wide array of notable figures, the collection boasts substantial holdings by Timothy O’Sullivan, Harry Callahan, André Kertész, Todd Webb, Clarence John Laughlin, Dorothea Lange, Carl Van Vechten, Ralph Eugene Meatyard and Dave Heath. Another strength is 19th century American material, including one of the most extensive and spectacular selections of American daguerreotypes in the world.

Due to the medium’s light sensitivity, the galleries are rotated five times per year.