Museum of Contemporary Art
Opening in 1979, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is L.A.’s first major contemporary art museum. Located DTLA on Grand Ave. across the street from Disney Hall, MOCA’s exhibits consist primarily of American and European contemporary art created after 1940. It is committed to the collecting, presenting, interpreting and preserving works produced since 1940 in all media. In a remarkably short time, MOCA has developed one of the nation’s most renowned permanent collections which now numbers close to 7000 pieces and is steadily growing. With three locations around the city, the main branch is located downtown on Grand Ave. with another location in Little Tokyo known as The Geffen Contemporary (formerly The Temporary Contemporary). In addition, another a smaller space (with free admission) – MOCA Pacific Design Center – is located in West Hollywood off San Vincente and Melrose. I love The Geffen and was particularly fond of the exhibit showcased 2 years ago by the late artist Mike Kelley.
FYI – MOCA is located across the street from The Broad, so if you are downtown and you are an art enthusiast, definitely try to do both. There are a number of fantastic restaurants just steps from both of these phenomenal museums and don’t forget the gift shops located in both museums as well as in Disney Hall.
Educators offer tours of current exhibitions at MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary. Tours are free with museum admission, begin in the lobby, and last about 45 minutes; no reservations are required for individuals.
General Admission is $12; $6 for students with valid I.D. and seniors (65+); children under 12 are free as are jurors with I.D. (The LA County Courthouse is just blocks away!). Admission for all is free on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm.
Museum Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am – 5pm
Thu: 11am – 8pm
Sat – Sun: 11am – 6pm