Centro Fotografico Manuel Alvarez Bravo (Manuel Alvarez Bravo Photography Center), Oaxaca

The Manuel Álvarez Bravo Photography Center is a tribute to one of Mexico’s most influential photographers and a beacon for contemporary photographic art. Named after Manuel Álvarez Bravo (1902–2002), whose work helped redefine 20th-century Latin American photography, this center is housed within the Graphic Arts Institute of Oaxaca.

Álvarez Bravo, known for his unique ability to capture everyday moments with a surrealistic twist, was self-taught, and his career spanned nearly seven decades. From the late 1920s to the 1950s, his work transcended European influences and embraced the cultural and political push for Mexican identity, steering clear of stereotypes while exploring ironic, sometimes mysterious imagery.

Founded in 1996 by renowned Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo, the exhibition offers a space to promote and explore the art of photography. The center boasts seven exhibition halls that feature temporary exhibitions of both individual and collective photographers, with around 200 works displayed since its opening. The exhibits include some of the most notable works by Francis Alÿs and Álvarez Bravo himself, among others.

In addition to exhibitions, the center offers a specialized library dedicated to photography, a sound library with over 3,000 recordings, and a professional black-and-white laboratory where workshops for aspiring and professional photographers are held. The center's eclectic and ever-changing displays make it a must-visit for those interested in the world of photography and visual arts.