Museum and exhibition complex "Moscow House of Photography"

The activity of the Moscow House of Photography began in 1994 during the preparation of the First International Month of Photography in Moscow, Photobiennale-96. In 1996, the first Russian museum specializing in the field of photography and implementing a comprehensive program aimed at the development of domestic photography gained legal independence.

The Moscow House of Photography is the only museum in Russia that has chosen the strategy of festivals and big projects. The effectiveness of this strategy was demonstrated by the first and second international months of photography in Moscow "Photobiennale-96" and "Photobiennale-98". Hundreds of exhibitions organized in the most prestigious museums and exhibition halls of the capital have created a critical mass of cultural events. The festivals not only gained public and press success, they restored the artistic and social significance of the phenomenon of photography in the Russian public consciousness. After a long break, the most valuable archives of old photography were opened, for the first time such extensive and stellar foreign exhibition programs were brought to Moscow.

The model for the Moscow House of Photography was the European House of Photography in Paris. It is the largest photographic institution in Europe, founded and operated under the personal patronage of the President of France, Mr. Chirac. The European and Moscow Houses of Photography are implementing joint projects within the framework of the Protocol of the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation between the mayors of Moscow and Paris.

The museum rediscovers and revives the Russian photographic heritage. The museum plans to return masterpieces of Russian photography that were abroad in those years when no one was interested in them at home. The museum also promotes the art of photography.