Serving the San Francisco community since 1940, the Harvey Milk Photo Center is the oldest and largest community black and white darkroom in the United States, and is associated with the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department. In addition to the wet lab, the Center provides access to large format printers, film scanning equipment in our full featured digital lab
We host many events, exhibitions, and lectures, all available for the general public to attend.
The Harvey Milk Photo Center is a part of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. Since 1954, the Center has resided at 50 Scott Street, in the lower level of the Harvey Milk Center for the Arts building at Duboce Park.
Harvey Milk Photo Center Hours
See our Facility Closures page for information on the availability of our facilities or give us a call.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 3 pm – 8:30 pm
Wednesday: 3 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday: 3 pm – 8:30 pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
Darkroom & Digital Lab Hours
Tuesday: 3 pm – 8 pm
Wednesday: 3 pm – 8 pm
Thursday: 3 pm – 8 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 4 pm

Oceano – for seven generations
Lana Z Caplan
Opening Reception: Saturday, Jan 25, 2 – 5 pm
Exhibit: Jan 25 – Mar 1, 2024
Book Signing and Q & A: Saturday, Feb 22, 2 pm
Lana Z Caplan in conversation with Ron Beinner/book signing

Salt of the Earth
Barbara Boissevain
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 2 – 5pm
Exhibit: Mar 15 – Apr 19, 2025
Book Signing, Artist Talk and Q & A: Saturday, Apr 5, 2025, 2pm
Barbara Boissevain in conversation with Ron Beinner

Spring Classes
Spring 2025 registration opens Mar 1 at 10am
*Priority registration for active scholarship recipients starts Feb 26 at 10 am

Holiday Craft Fair 2024
Sunday, Dec 15, 11am-4pm

Arthur Tress – Observations at the Water’s Edge
Opening Reception: Oct 12, 2024, 2 – 5 pm
Exhibit Dates: Oct 12 – Nov 30, 2024
Screening of “Water’s Edge”: Nov 14, 6 pm

Winter Classes
Winter 2025 registration opens Dec 14 at 10am
*Priority registration for active scholarship recipients starts Dec 11 at 10 am

Made at the Center
We are currently accepting submissions from members, staff, volunteers & students.
Apply and Submit or see details.

Member, Staff & Volunteer Show
Opening Reception: Aug 17, 4 – 6pm
Exhibit Dates: Aug 17 – Sep 28, 2024

Living Life Golden
Opening Event & Exhibit June 22, 6-9pm
Hosted by: LOL McFiercen, Live Drag Performances at 7:30

Photo Book Selections 2024
Harvey Milk Photo Center houses a collection of photobooks from Bay Area artists within the David Johnson Reference Library

SF_retake
Artists & Curators Talking:
Wednesday, May 29 at 6:30pm
Exhibition Dates:
May 4–June 8, 2024

Darkroom

Classes
