STOCKTON, CA.-More than 50 photographs by the legendary Ansel Adams will be on display at The Haggin Museum. This exclusive exhibition is composed of images Adams considered among his finest work and a number of personal family photographs. Adams wanted his work "to be seen by many people, not just on the walls of the few who could afford it." With that in mind, he created the Museum Set Edition of Fine Prints – a collection of 70 images he regarded as superior.

"Works of art, literature, or music have little value or human benefit if held available only to the few," Adams wrote in his autobiography. "If such is not of general human benefit what are its reasons for being? Comprehending the natural world is, in itself, an act of creation and should be universally shared."

The Haggin Museum's exhibition is a combination of images from this set with photographs from his family's personal collection. Some are iconic and instantly recognizable, while others are surprising and seldom seen. But all reveal his technical virtuosity and sensitive eye.

Adams is most well-known for his landscape photography, and was closely associated with America's national parks. Many views of his beloved Yosemite and Sierra Nevada, including several large murals, will be on display, as well as photographs of other national parks such as Death Valley Monument and Yellowstone. These dramatic images remain profound reminders of his reverence for the beauty of the planet. "Sometimes I get to places when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter," Adams said.

Subjects of his architectural studies will range from the monumental Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City to a simple barn on Cape Cod. Smaller details of nature include "Rose and Driftwood" and "Grass and Pool."

Adams also took portraits, and the exhibition will include those of the distinguished American photographer Alfred Stieglitz, a mentor and friend of Adams, and the famous Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco. There will also be several family photos of Adams and his wife Virginia.

The Haggin Museum is excited to be the exclusive location for this unique show and is deeply grateful to the relative of Ansel Adams who made these photographs available and the Trustees of the Ansel Adams Publishing Trust.