See the Work
Where to experience Dorothea Lange's photographs in person, and resources to learn more
Destitute pea pickers in California. Mother of seven children. Age thirty-two. N...
Permanent Collections
These institutions hold significant collections of Lange's original prints and negatives. Many offer public viewing by appointment.
Oakland Museum of California
Oakland, California
Houses the largest collection of Lange's work, including over 25,000 negatives, 6,000 vintage prints, and her personal papers and journals. The museum received this archive from Lange herself and presents rotating exhibitions.
Visit CollectionLibrary of Congress
Washington, D.C.
The Prints and Photographs Division holds the FSA-OWI collection, including thousands of Lange's Depression-era photographs. All images are in the public domain and available online.
Browse OnlineLibrary of Congress
Washington, D.C.
Holds the FSA/OWI collection including thousands of Lange's photographs, negatives, and field notes.
Learn MoreOakland Museum of California
Oakland, California
The Dorothea Lange Archive with over 25,000 prints, negatives, and personal papers.
Learn MoreMuseum of Modern Art
New York City
Significant holdings of Lange's work including vintage prints.
Learn MoreNational Gallery of Art
Washington, D.C.
Collection of FSA photographs including key Lange works.
Learn MoreSan Francisco Museum of Modern Art
San Francisco, California
Regional collection with focus on Lange's California work.
Learn MoreMajor Exhibitions
Notable retrospectives and exhibitions of Lange's work.
Dorothea Lange: Words & Pictures
Museum of Modern Art, New York
Major retrospective examining the relationship between Lange's photographs and the words that accompanied them.
Dorothea Lange: Politics of Seeing
Oakland Museum of California
Comprehensive exhibition featuring 100 photographs exploring Lange's role as witness to social and political upheaval.
Dorothea Lange: Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California
J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Focused exhibition on the creation and impact of the iconic Migrant Mother photograph.
Dorothea Lange Retrospective
Museum of Modern Art, New York
The landmark posthumous exhibition that established Lange's place in the fine art canon.
Dorothea Lange: The Human Face
International Center of Photography, New York
Exhibition focused on Lange's portrait work and her ability to capture human dignity in difficult circumstances.
Books & Films About Lange
Essential resources for understanding her life and work.
Essential Reading
The definitive biography, winner of the Bancroft Prize, drawing on extensive archival research to present a complete portrait of Lange's life and work.
A comprehensive monograph featuring over 100 photographs spanning her entire career, with essays by Robert Coles and others.
An intimate exploration of Lange's working methods, including previously unpublished photographs and field notes.
Lange's collaboration with her husband combining photographs and text to document the Dust Bowl migration.
The first publication of Lange's internment photographs, suppressed by the U.S. government for over 60 years.
Documentaries
PBS American Masters documentary featuring archival footage, family interviews, and rare personal photographs.
Online Resources
Explore the Archive
Browse our collection of 975 photographs from the Library of Congress.
View All Photographs