The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Cleveland is Northeast Ohio’s only non-collecting contemporary art museum dedicated to showcasing innovative modern art through a range of ever-changing exhibitions. Founded in 1968 and playing an exciting role in the city's cultural landscape, MOCA has been exhibiting works of modern and avante garde art to the community for over 45 years and has acted as a both conduit and catalyst for those seeking artistic inspiration.
History
The Museum was the first museum in the region to display the works of world-renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Laurie Anderson, Jasper Johns, and Christo, and continues to exhibit the work of emerging and established artists from around the world.
The mission of the Museum of Contemporary Art is to be a dynamic and unique venue for showcasing an array of modern visual art and to push the boundaries of creativity, exploration, and innovation through awe-inspiring exhibitions and educational programs.
The Building
Designed by internationally acclaimed architect and Harvard Professor Farshid Moussavi, the Museum of Contemporary Art is an icon for Cleveland’s revitalization and growth and a symbol of the city’s renaissance. The gem-like structure boasts a unique designed that is both environmentally and fiscally sustainable, as well as being visually stunning and highly practical. The Museum is a ‘green’ building and received LEED® Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2015.
The 34,000-square-foot geometric-shaped structure rises from a six-sided base to a four-sided top, producing eight triangles and trapezoids that are stands four stories high. The building’s exterior is covered in panels of reflective black stainless steel, while the interiors are cooled and heated by geothermal wells that are located beneath the plaza next to the building.
In addition to being an extraordinary form of art in itself, the building presents intimate interior spaces to showcase the works of contemporary artists from around the world and for visitors to connect with them. The iconic building masterfully accommodates an array of wide-ranging experiences with contemporary art for all to enjoy.
Exhibitions
Past exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art have featured works by renowned artists, including Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson, Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Christo, and Jim Hodges, as well as local and regional artists from Greater Cleveland and Northeastern Ohio.
Recent critically acclaimed exhibitions have included ‘Diana Cooper’ (2008), ‘Hugging and Wrestling: Contemporary Israeli Photography and Video’ (2009), and ‘Marilyn Minter: Orange Crush’ (2010).
Education
MOCA Cleveland offers a variety of educational programs that cultivate creativity, fuel imagination and encourage exploration. Based on curiosity, interaction, problem solving, and play, programs include in-gallery activities, hands-on art projects, workshops and classes for all ages.
The Museum offers a wealth of fun for families with changing exhibitions and educational programs that families and children can explore together. The ArtSquad is a cartoon trio that acts as the face of the Museum and presents three different age-appropriate ways to learn about the Museum's changing exhibitions ever season. Programs include Tinker Space where kids can experiment art-making practices and different materials and Family Fun Days.
MOCA Cleveland also coordinates special programs and events for students and teenagers such as the immersive ACE (Art & Culture Enterprise) program, as well as internships for art and art history students at the Cleveland Institute of Art and Case Western Reserve University and other colleges.
The Museum of Contemporary Art also presents a variety of programs for teachers and educators that are easily adaptable to all ages and complement classroom curriculums.
Visitor Information
The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 11400 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Museum is open until 9:00 pm on Friday nights and visitors can experience the Museum on guided group or private tours. Tours are led by MOCA Cleveland educators and can be tailor-made to suit each tour group’s needs. The Museum’s MOCA Store sells a range of art-related books, clothing, memorabilia, and gifts.
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11400 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, Phone: 216-421-8671
