The Museum of Contemporary Art

If you're in this part of LA, and looking to visit one of the contemporary art museums that are virtually directly across the street from one another. But are pressed for time. Broad? MOCA? I'd definitely say choose the Broad. That being said though, numerous popular exhibitions are regularly held here at the much older established MOCA; Museum of Contemporary Art.

Being at such close vicinity to one another, MOCA is worth the contemporary art enthusiast's visit. And is quite renown. I'm just not overly wowed.

Normally there is a $10.00 admission fee, but on our visit today some kind and generous soul had paid it forward for all visiting guests this day; free!

I love art! I could spend all day in a museum. This one is great because it's contemporary and appeals to my more modern tastes. A great selection of artists, there's definitely something for everyone to enjoy.

Get tickets online, it's just easier.

Staff is polite and helpful.

This is my second time visiting The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and while I distinctly remember the art selection, I can still acknowledge that it offers a pleasant short experience. The last time I visited was in October 2023. Tickets can be reserved online or through their box office. We chose the latter method since we made last-minute plans, so we appreciated continently obtaining tickets via the box office. I recommend visiting both The Broad (first) and MOCA (second) on the same day since they're across street from each other. The MOCA has more of a calming ambience as it's less crowded and popular than The Broad. My favorite exhibit is the "Back Porch with Picnic Table" in which you can walk inside a porch and sit on benches.

Museum of Contemporary Art - Los Angeles is FREE. You can get your tickets online or they have a box office right outside for day of tickets. What a deal! They are located right across the street from The Broad, so if you find yourself in the area, you might as well go to both. The museum takes about an hour to explore. They are underrated and much less busy than The Broad.

Know before your visit - No food drinks, backpacks or large bags allowed in the museum. Good thing I didn't bring my big purse, but if you accidentally did they have a free bag check system. I just prefer to hang onto my belongings.

Unlike other museums I have visited in the past, there was no map or brochure given at the entrance. Just general direction to stay 2 feet away from the art.

Contemporary art is a bit random to me... Per the Museum's website, "We are contemporary. We question and adapt to the changing definitions of art." I'm not sure I understand or grasp all off the "art" here but it's a free adventure with AC.

I was telling my boyfriend how it is interesting that MOCA is right across from The Broad, but there is significantly more foot traffic at The Broad. He observed that The Broad had more hyped art work to visit where folks can take pictures for their social media. So wise! I think you go to MOCA if you want to absorb some culture and enjoy some AC, but don't be expecting to take any photoshoots here.

My bf and I were in the area and were able to reserve free tickets right away no problem. The staff was really friendly and they even offer free bag check for large bags.

The mueseum was super clean and there were staff members supervising in every room. We enjoyed looking at all the art pieces, we finished up after about 45 minutes. This area is really accessible by public transit, can't speak much on the parking system.

MOCA (The Museum of Contemporary Art) Grand is on South Grand Avenue in Downtown LA & it houses MOCA's main art galleries. There is also MOCA Geffen, WAREHOUSE at the Geffen (which is currently closed) & the Double Negative land art in Nevada by Artist Michael Heizer always available to view. Ome of the closest train stations to MOCA is the Grand Ave Arts / Bunker Hill Station.

MOCA's General Admission is free for everyone, and there is a fee to view Special Exhibitions if you are not a MOCA Member, not a child under the age of 12 and / or not an EBT Cardholder. Upon arriving at MOCA after visiting Broad Museum, which is across the street (review soon to come-lol) , a worker provided information and the ticket for museum entry. Lemonade is MOCA'S Cafe, and patrons were seen enjoying outdoor dining & their treats.

One of MOCA's current exhibitions, "Long Story Short," displays a portion of MOCA'S art collection spanning from the time of the 1940s - Present. According to MOCA'S website, Long astory Short reminds individuals that art history and history is made in the present. MOCA'S artwork & space ovetall is captivating & beautiful.

I was mesmerized and in awe of how gorgeous MOCA is as it is a quaint space. I always enjoy touring museums / galleries / artistic spaces, and MOCA has a certain calmness and peacefulness (as it is surrounded by the cool hustle & bustle of downtown LA) which adds to its charm.

Exhibition "Mapping an Art World: Los Angeles in the 1970s-80s and the Larry Bell, Bill and Coo at MOCA'S Nest (2019) were also fantastic to view. The "Mapping An Art World" exhibit gave me cool insight into LA during that time period. MOCA is a great space w/ great art exhibits & lovely staff.

Hours of Operation -
Tues./Wed./Fri. - 11am - 5pm
Thurs. - 11am - 8am
Sat. & Sun. 11am - 6pm.

Website - moca.org
Instagram - @moca
MOCA has a YouTube channel as well as a Facebook & Twitter page.

Get information on their "Together Thursdays" as well as other programs, MOCA Artist Film Series, on exhibitions, on how to support/ provide MOCA w/ contributions, on MOCA Membership, on special events, etc.

I loved visiting this museum. The art work and concept were so beautiful and intriguing. The staff were very kind and more than willing to answer questions. They have people standing around if you need any help or have questions about art work. They have plenty of rooms to go into. They don't allow backpacks or drinks/food but they hold it for you at the front desk which is nice. There isn't any parking so you have to park in a different building and it is paid parking too. I would recommend coming here because it is definitely not talked about enough!

The MOCA has some cool pieces but not a whole lot.

I came here for an event and they allowed us to check it out before the event began. I wouldn't be too happy if I would have had to pay to get in. It was much smaller than I though. But I do have to say the pieces and installations they had were pretty impressive and cool. A lot of the art is very "LA" if you get what I am saying.

The staff was really nice and they knew a lot when I asked them questions. They did make us check in our backpacks before going around. The entire place is made very clean and organized. They said we had to show proof of vaccination but nobody checked.

The current exhibit is so POWERFUL! "Henry Taylor - B side "

It just got progressively more immersive and personal. From his hand painted everyday object boxes (cigarette cartons and cereal boxes..) to the wonderfully and respectfully represented Black Panther Party coats, pins and fists proudly raised..
you'll also see images (social media posts, pictures from the news/names of those who were brutally m*rdered by police. AND see empty spaces where , sadly and truly, more PEOPLE, MY PEOPLE- mothers , sisters, brothers, fathers, sons, daughters- could end up.

Exhibit stays until 4/30/23

If you're in the area, and want to see a lot of creativity, passion and pain presented to you in a large , emotion evoking gallery.. COME SUPPORT !

What led me here was actually the outside of the building as I was talking a stroll.. it had huge prints of his proud black art. A few Majorettes and A Drum Major equipped with his Mace. Such powerful imagery that shows livelihood of my people. Take me back to HBCU days
Lovely to see us celebrated on a huge scale by us.

There are some deep cuts inside this Gallery but I won't spoil it. A MUST SEE.
Thank you HENRY.

** pls be respectful to us and our culture while viewing. Heard a no POC stating a very poor opinion VERY loudly. So sad. They missed the whole point/ Opportunity to see life outside of themselves. **
Save it for the car, thx.

It's cool, it's free admission, it's art. If you have an hour to kill, I recommend! We were late for our time slot but they were chill about it and let us in without a problem. They checked vax cards so we felt safe!

Favorite pieces were that mirror wall thing. Least favorite thing was this weird paper White House wall thing.