Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) | Los Angeles

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles is one of the most important institutions in the United States devoted entirely to contemporary art. Founded in 1979 by a collective of artists, philanthropists, and civic leaders, MOCA is known for its rigorous commitment to showcasing works created from 1940 to the present and maintaining an artist-centered approach in both acquisitions and exhibitions.

Overview

MOCA's mission is to exhibit, interpret, and preserve contemporary art across a wide spectrum of media and ideologies. It is a non-profit, artist-founded institution, and its permanent collection has grown to more than 5,000 works by established and emerging artists. MOCA has three venues across Los Angeles, each with a unique architectural style and curatorial focus.

1. MOCA Grand Avenue

Location: 250 South Grand Avenue, Downtown Los Angeles

Architect: Designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, completed in 1986

Design: Constructed of red Indian sandstone with a postmodern aesthetic

Function: Houses the main galleries, curatorial offices, and most of the permanent collection

Exhibitions and Features:
MOCA Grand Avenue presents rotating exhibitions drawn from its collection, as well as significant solo and group exhibitions. These frequently feature artists from the Minimalist, Postminimalist, Conceptual, and Pop Art movements.

Collection Highlights:

Works by Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Joan Mitchell

Significant installations by Robert Rauschenberg and Barbara Kruger

2. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA

Location: 152 North Central Avenue, Little Tokyo District

Architect: Renovated by Frank Gehry from a former police car warehouse

Opened: 1983 (originally as the Temporary Contemporary)

Design and Atmosphere:
This site offers expansive, industrial-style space ideal for large-scale installations, experimental media, performance, and special exhibitions. Its open, flexible structure contrasts with the more formal Grand Avenue building.

Notable Use:
The Geffen is often used for major contemporary exhibitions and community-focused programs. It's also where MOCA hosts high-profile events such as the annual MOCA Gala and large installations from living artists working in new media and immersive formats.

3. MOCA at the Pacific Design Center

Location: 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood

Focus: Primarily used for smaller rotating exhibitions and to showcase works by emerging or mid-career artists

Setting: Situated in a West Hollywood design hub, the space engages with contemporary design and visual culture

This location has hosted exhibitions focused on fashion, photography, graphic arts, and installation works from younger and international artists.

MOCA’s Permanent Collection

MOCA’s permanent collection is internationally recognized and includes over 5,000 pieces. It is considered one of the most significant holdings of post-World War II art in the United States. The focus spans a wide variety of media including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, performance art, conceptual works, and video art.

Artists represented include:

Mark Rothko

Jackson Pollock

Robert Rauschenberg

Jasper Johns

Andy Warhol

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Roy Lichtenstein

Barbara Kruger

Cy Twombly

Ed Ruscha

Mike Kelley

Cindy Sherman

Diane Arbus

John Baldessari

Jenny Holzer

Nam June Paik

Public Programs and Education

MOCA emphasizes education, accessibility, and public engagement through a wide range of programs:

Talks and Panels: Featuring artists, critics, and scholars discussing contemporary art and its social context

MOCA Teen Program: Offers teens free access to art-making workshops, mentorship, and education

MOCA Sunday Studio: A family-friendly workshop series connected to current exhibitions

School Tours and Teacher Resources: Guided tours and classroom materials for K–12 and university students

MOCA Gala

The annual MOCA Gala is a prominent event in LA’s cultural calendar, raising funds to support exhibitions and education programs. It attracts artists, donors, celebrities, and collectors, and often features custom installations, performances, and dining experiences within The Geffen Contemporary.

Admission and Visiting Info

General Admission: Free for all visitors (instituted in 2020)

Special Exhibitions: May require paid entry

Opening Hours: Typically open Wednesday through Monday, 11 AM – 6 PM (closed Tuesdays)

Public Transit: Easily accessible via Metro Red/Purple Line (Civic Center/Grand Park Station for MOCA Grand Avenue; Little Tokyo/Arts District Station for Geffen)

Parking: Paid parking is available near each location

Leadership and Vision

As of 2022, MOCA's Executive Director is Johanna Burton, who brings an inclusive and community-centered vision. Under her leadership, the museum has deepened its focus on representing marginalized voices and expanding access to contemporary art for diverse audiences.

Summary

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles stands as a major cultural force dedicated to contemporary art in all its forms. Its three campuses provide distinct but complementary experiences: from canonical works of 20th-century art on Grand Avenue, to expansive, cutting-edge installations at The Geffen, to emerging voices in West Hollywood. With free general admission and an ever-evolving roster of exhibitions, MOCA remains one of the most significant and accessible contemporary art museums in the country.