Technology
The George Eastman Museum holds the world’s leading collection of photographic and cinematographic technology. Consisting of more than 17,000 objects from the earliest days of photography to today’s integrated, handheld digital devices, the collection contains all of the equipment necessary for recording or projecting still or moving images.
From artifacts that predate the formal invention of photography in 1839 to modern devices used by both amateurs and professionals, the collection offers an unparalleled opportunity to examine and learn about photographic and cinematographic technology. Many of the objects are unique; many represent significant technical achievements or have distinguished historical ownership. The collection includes cameras and equipment used by renowned photographers, such as Eadweard Muybridge, Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, Edward Weston, Ansel Adams, Bea Nettles, and David Levinthal.
Explore the technology vault on Google Street View
Explore the technology vault with PetaPixel
The core collections are both European and American in origin; the greatest strengths are early French and American cameras. Among the collection’s holdings are still and motion picture cameras and projectors, handheld mono and stereo viewers, lenses, accessories, film and paper packaging supplies, exposure measuring instruments, and objects related to darkroom developing and printing, including enlargers, timers, and trays. The collection also includes Eastman Kodak Company Patent collection.
Please note that this is the historic online database and is not a comprehensive or representative selection of the collection at the George Eastman Museum. These selected highlights represent only a very small portion of the objects in the technology collection. For more information on the technology collection, contact the technology department here. We are currently working to make the entire collection database accessible online.
The George Eastman Museum’s collections include millions of objects. Each of these objects reflects the knowledge and the historical, cultural, social, and political perspectives, and biases of its creators. Today, some of the objects will be objectionable, offensive, or disturbing.
Although we cannot alter our collection objects, we are responsible for their descriptions, interpretation, and contextualization. As part of the Eastman Museum's broader initiative to address and make progress on issues of inclusion, diversity, and equity, we are committed to working internally and with experts and the community to address how we present collection objects—in our collection database and in public exhibitions—in a way that is mindful and respectful of the subjects, the makers, and our audiences.
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Collection Highlights: Technology
