Eastman Museum Puts Over 250,000 Photos From Its Iconic Collection Online

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Nickolas Muray, “Marilyn Monroe” (ca. 1952)

Renowned for its comprehensive collection of photographs, the Eastman Museum plays a prominent role in the preservation and exhibition of work from over 8,000 photographers. Located on the estate of collector George Eastman—the founder of Kodak and a “pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film”—in Rochester, New York, the innovative institution was founded in 1947 to promote conservation and engage, educate, and entertain its audiences. Recently, the monumental museum has opted to modernize its classic collection by digitizing—or photographically reproducing—over 250,000 of its iconic pieces.

Spanning the decorative arts, film, photography, technology, and advertising, the museum’s collection is composed of an eclectic range of one-of-a-kind objects—many of which are now available at the click of a mouse. From antique cameras and lenses to moving images and photographs, each digitally documented piece chronicles the collection’s long and important history. Easily accessible and beautifully captured, the database is a perfect platform for conducting research, casually browsing, or even virtually “visiting” the museum.

While this recent project is a crucial step for the historic institution, it is only the beginning. Aiming to digitize its entire collection—consisting of 400,000 photographs and negatives, 28,000 motion picture films, 3 million cinematic objects, and 16,000 technology-related pieces—the museum will be adding new pieces every week until its digital archive is complete. Stay tuned!

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Nickolas Muray, “Christmas card photo” (1941)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Lewis W. Hine, “Women Exercising, Swim” (ca. 1918‑1935)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Edward Steichen, “Amelia Earhart” (1931)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Louis‑Jacques‑Mandé Daguerre, “Grand Salle du Palais de Justice, Rouen” (1825)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Edward Steichen, “Backbone and Ribs of a Sunflower” (1921)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Lewis W. Hine, “Art Class” (1935)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

George Eastman beside Kodok sign, African Safari (1928)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Edward Steichen, “Delphiniums” (1940)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Edward Steichen, “Self‑portrait” (1901)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Nickolas Muray, “Table set for dessert, hands with silver utensils serving cake with ice cream” (1944)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Alvin Langdon Coburn, “Vortograph” (ca. 1917)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Ansel Adams, “Untitled” (1969)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Unidentified, “Naval pilot in ready room on aircraft carrier” (1943)

george eastman museum digitized collection photography

Andy Warhol, “Andy Warhol” (1970)

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h/t: [Hyperallergic]

All images via the George Eastman Museum.

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