The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

Museum · Downtown Los Angeles

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

Museum · Downtown Los Angeles

3

250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

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The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Photo by Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Elon Schoenholz/Courtesy Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Elon Schoenholz/Courtesy Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Elon Schoenholz/Courtesy Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Photo by Amanda Friedman, AFAR Media
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Jeff McLane/Courtesy Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Google
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles by Yelp

Highlights

This iconic contemporary art museum features a dynamic collection showcasing cutting-edge works from the 20th and 21st centuries across multiple venues.  

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250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Get directions

moca.org
@moca

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250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Get directions

+1 213 626 6222
moca.org
@moca

$

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Last updated

Oct 29, 2024

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@cntraveler

"Three museums in one, really, MOCA is a cutting-edge museum with temporary exhibitions by established and emerging artists. Also, it's home to one of the greatest contemporary art collections in the world. The 6,000-piece collection contains prime works by Agnes Martin, Nam June Paik, Jackson Pollock, and Mike Kelley. MOCA has two main buildings: the Grand Avenue building in Museum Row, the Geffen Contemporary in nearby Little Tokyo—start at the Grand Avenue building and then grab lunch in Little Tokyo before taking in the works at the Geffen. The exhibits are what make MOCA crackle; under the watchful eye of director Johanna Burton and a crack team of curators, MOCA has seen blockbuster shows by the likes of Pipilotti Rist, Tala Madani, and Simone Forti." - Maxwell Williams

The 26 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
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@afar

"Founded in 1979, the mission of this institution is clear—it’s committed to preserving, presenting, and interpreting art created after 1940. Its methods, however, are ever changing. Three distinct venues in the city shine a spotlight on forward-thinking artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Start at the Grand Avenue location, arriving right at the 11 a.m. opening for a chance to contemplate Mark Rothko’s emotional color studies in peace. After exploring work by such artists as Robert Rauschenberg, Joan Miró, and Nijideka Akunyili Crosby (who created the mural that wraps around the building), grab lunch from Lemonade café to enjoy in the Sculpture Plaza. One mile away, the same general admission ticket gets you entry to the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, which opened in Little Tokyo in 1983 after a renovation of a former police car warehouse by Frank Gehry; today, it hosts the museum’s more experimental exhibits. Architecture aficionados should also visit the third location, the MOCA Pacific Design Center, about 10 miles away in West Hollywood. (A fourth MOCA location, called Double Negative, requires much more of a detour—it’s a work of land art by Michael Heizer in the middle of the Nevada desert.) Art talks, screenings, and live music alongside food trucks make MOCA Grand and Geffen as much social venues as they are cultural ones. Pro tip: For an in-depth look at the collections, book the completely customizable educator-led tour (request a couple weeks ahead). For a livelier experience, visit on a Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., when admission is free."

The Best Art Museums in Los Angeles
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@afar

"Founded in 1979, the mission of this institution is clear—it’s committed to preserving, presenting, and interpreting art created after 1940. Its methods, however, are ever changing. Three distinct venues in the city shine a spotlight on forward-thinking artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Start at the Grand Avenue location, arriving right at the 11 a.m. opening for a chance to contemplate Mark Rothko’s emotional color studies in peace. After exploring work by such artists as Robert Rauschenberg, Joan Miró, and Nijideka Akunyili Crosby (who created the mural that wraps around the building), grab lunch from Lemonade café to enjoy in the Sculpture Plaza. One mile away, the same general admission ticket gets you entry to the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, which opened in Little Tokyo in 1983 after a renovation of a former police car warehouse by Frank Gehry; today, it hosts the museum’s more experimental exhibits. Architecture aficionados should also visit the third location, the MOCA Pacific Design Center, about 10 miles away in West Hollywood. (A fourth MOCA location, called Double Negative, requires much more of a detour—it’s a work of land art by Michael Heizer in the middle of the Nevada desert.) Art talks, screenings, and live music alongside food trucks make MOCA Grand and Geffen as much social venues as they are cultural ones. Pro tip: For an in-depth look at the collections, book the completely customizable educator-led tour (request a couple weeks ahead). For a livelier experience, visit on a Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., when admission is free."

The Best Places to Go With Kids in Los Angeles
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Julie Ruiz

Google
Enjoyed all of the art exhibits, filled with very interesting and fun peices at time. I loved the mixed media found throughout. The only reason I didn't put 5 stars is that the final part, the climate change video exhibits felt like they were taking an extremely privileged and toxic stance. I'm someone who also cares about the effects humans have on the planet, but they lost me halfway on these exhibits. Hopefully they find a better way to spread their message.

Gabby J

Google
Always appreciate a free museum. Get your free ticket online or at the box office. The climate change exhibition is also very cool, good reminder to protect our planet.

Steven Compton

Google
A great collection to see in person. Give yourself at least an hour to walk through and experience the special exhibit by Josh Kline (Climate Change). Everyone should go.

Lou Garza

Google
I love this museum it has so much variety and always showcasing new art , new artist and freew love love it.

Amelia “Amélie” Olszewska

Google
Small but pretty museum, there’s a lot of valuable work to see! I recommend going to this place (especially if you’re looking for air conditioning in LA while it’s 30+ degrees)!

Ms. Mercy

Google
Very underwhelming. Took about ten minutes to walk and get out because there was nothing spectacular to view. Half of the museum was closed as well.

Elektra Mathews-Novelli

Google
Staff were great; helpful and friendly. Only the permanent collection was on display. The rotating collection was closed while it was being curated. With just the permanent collection available the museum was small. Your average modern art museum. There were all types of media. Free museum which was nice. There were other museums in the area so one could tour a few in an afternoon easily.

Stevenie Smith Farmer

Google
Such a nice collection of the arts, easy to get tickets friendly and informative staff

Julie Ruiz

Google
Enjoyed all of the art exhibits, filled with very interesting and fun peices at time. I loved the mixed media found throughout. The only reason I didn't put 5 stars is that the final part, the climate change video exhibits felt like they were taking an extremely privileged and toxic stance. I'm someone who also cares about the effects humans have on the planet, but they lost me halfway on these exhibits. Hopefully they find a better way to spread their message.

Gabby J

Google
Always appreciate a free museum. Get your free ticket online or at the box office. The climate change exhibition is also very cool, good reminder to protect our planet.

Steven Compton

Google
A great collection to see in person. Give yourself at least an hour to walk through and experience the special exhibit by Josh Kline (Climate Change). Everyone should go.

Lou Garza

Google
I love this museum it has so much variety and always showcasing new art , new artist and freew love love it.

Amelia “Amélie” Olszewska

Google
Small but pretty museum, there’s a lot of valuable work to see! I recommend going to this place (especially if you’re looking for air conditioning in LA while it’s 30+ degrees)!

Ms. Mercy

Google
Very underwhelming. Took about ten minutes to walk and get out because there was nothing spectacular to view. Half of the museum was closed as well.

Elektra Mathews-Novelli

Google
Staff were great; helpful and friendly. Only the permanent collection was on display. The rotating collection was closed while it was being curated. With just the permanent collection available the museum was small. Your average modern art museum. There were all types of media. Free museum which was nice. There were other museums in the area so one could tour a few in an afternoon easily.

Stevenie Smith Farmer

Google
Such a nice collection of the arts, easy to get tickets friendly and informative staff

Brian L.

Yelp
I really like the mostly-young staff here, and the space is really neat. Not sure how much of it is 'permanent' and how much gets regularly rotated out, but a good majority of the exhibits when I went (Aug 2024) were of interest to me. This is the sort of museum I would like to go back to, to see what's new, or go back to some old favorites. I like how they had a good amount of photography, which I feel is often overlooked in museums.

Vincent W.

Yelp
Solid contemporary museum and it's free! Looking for affordable to free activities in dtla, MOCA is great for everyone. First, check in at box office to register before entering museum. Then check in with lobby associates for general information about Moca guest educate. Range of 20th century history and art currently. There's a theatre in basement level with restrooms. I had a few favorites from 90s hip hop music scene to abstract paintings and sculptures. It can get crowded during the day, recommend early or near closing. The staff are accommodating and friendly. They are slightly versed with answers of each exhibit. Some exhibits are interactive with music and video. Be respectful of staff and others while visiting. This is a free museum courtesy of Klaus Biesenbach and the city of Los Angeles. Everyone has an opportunity for accessible art education. Gather your family and friends or solo too visit MOCA!

Randy S.

Yelp
Los Angeles, DTLA. May 2024. The Los Angeles MOCA is relatively young. They focus on contemporary American and European artists with works primarily post-WW II. Their initial funding was mostly younger donors contributing modest amounts for a place in Japantown. What is nice is their permanent collection is exhibited at no charge to the public. The new building was funded by large donors, including Eli Broad and most of the collection is donated by private individuals. The permanent collection on exhibit is a pleasant viewing. The MOCA lacks the larger crowds of The Broad across the street. It is worthwhile touring the museum and the surrounding walkway behind. I really enjoy the welcoming informal atmosphere.

Bryan T.

Yelp
Came here after visiting The Broad since it's free admission and across the street. Compared to The Broad, this museum felt very underwhelming and boring. There wasn't much and I saw everything in half an hour and left.

Ronald M.

Yelp
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!

KC M.

Yelp
When something is free I don't think there's much you can ask from it. Which makes me wonder why this doesn't have five stars all around. It's a wonderful museum filled with interesting enough pieces and collections. I really enjoyed the climate change section. I came here after going to the broad. I always knew about this museum having lived only a few blocks up the road from it for a few years but never went. I'm glad I did this time because it had a lot of interesting work. They also have bag checks which is nice as I had a duffle bag that I didn't feel like carrying around everywhere. The people who worked there were nice and attentive. Exactly what you'd expect from any museum. I'd say if you're around then give it a try. Maybe during lunch break or free time before or after you visit the broad as it's right across the street.

Amanda D.

Yelp
We came here on a Friday afternoon and it wasn't too busy. This place is really cool with some really great art! The staff was very nice. You're not allowed to bring any water bottles near any of the art exhibits so when we went to the bathroom, we hydrated as much as possible. We parked in a lot on 2nd Street for $20 we were also able to walk to a really great lunch spot around the corner. It's free to enter so you don't have to worry about purchasing tickets which is nice. All of the art installations were super cool and I really really enjoyed myself!

Van D.

Yelp
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.

Caitlin L.

Yelp
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.

Alexis M.

Yelp
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.

Brandi I.

Yelp
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.

Jeremy S.

Yelp
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.

Joshua O.

Yelp
After 2020 this place became something other than an art museum and has become a woke propaganda arm of the far left. Excluding the permanent collection, the current exhibits are "I hate Trump, but have no artistic ability." and "The sky is falling due to climate change, and we must tear everything down and start over, but I have no artistic ability." The museum is now run by a climate agenda committee. The current exhibits are bad, really bad. I wish I could get a refund but MOCA is free. It's like someone watched MSNBC for a year and then like a mother bird, regurgitated everything down every guests throat.

Kaitlyn L.

Yelp
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!

Cat N.

Yelp
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.

Antinette H.

Yelp
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.

Monica B.

Yelp
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.

Jacques I.

Yelp
The Museum of Contemporary Art was a solid spot to check out artwork that one may be unfamiliar with, as many of the artists featured here aren't as popular or celebrated, especially when comparing it to other museums in the area. However, if you like art, especially contemporary art, this is worth checking out if you have the time. For visiting this museum, you must make a timed reservation. However, we visited MOCA on a Sunday afternoon,15 minutes after our timed entry, and we were fortunately, still able to get in. The museum wasn't busy at all, so you definitely have room to roam and browse without having to deal with crowds, which was nice. The museum also wasn't very big, so you can fit in another museum the same day if planning to visit MOCA, which is what we were able to do. Located in downtown L.A., near The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall, the museum is accessible, with many other sites around, making it a great spot for tourists. Plus, admission for the museum is complimentary, so why wouldn't you visit? Much of the art was a little too contemporary or modern for what I'm more into, but it was still cool to check out and learn about the exhibits here. The gift shop had awesome art books. I recommend visiting MOCA if you have time, are in the area and love art.

Julie C.

Yelp
We came all the way to LA hoping to catch some more Basquiats. They weren't on display. However, Jennifer Packer's "Every Shut Eye Ain't Sleep" did not disappoint. There were also pieces by Asawa, Rothko, Yoko Ono(!) and one of my daughter's faves, Nam June Paik. It was cool to see new art like Briccs 2 by Lauren Halsey and the stunning photos of trans women by Paz Errazuriz. MOCA is a lovely, airy space, the kind of museum that feels like a scene from 2001: Space Odyssey. It made me tell my teen "no toques nada" which is Latinx mom for don't touch anything or else. I know folks are complaining about their COVID-era protocols. I didn't mind sharing my vax status and waiting to enter the empty lobby. It was nice to visit with less crowding.

Desiree P.

Yelp
Nice space with several rooms featuring rotating exhibits. The cafe serves the most excellent lemonade in a variety of choices. There is a small patio area with seating.

Christina F.

Yelp
I came here for a Hong Kong Cinema screening. Didn't actually see much of the museum besides the theater. However I wanted to say all the staff were very friendly and helpful. Also that it was a nice screening venue. Would be nice to come back for future screenings and to see the museum too. Thanks for making it a great screening!

Sun H.

Yelp
Jennifer Packer; Every Shut Eye Ain't Sleep exhibition was incredible, so inspiring, and the unique colors. "Packer's drawings and canvases surface representations of intimacy, embodiment, and loss."(quotes MOCA website). February is the Black History Month and we have a great chance to see this extraordinary works. The COVID protocol was well kept; three different staffs checked; tickets, COVID, QR code.

Erik F.

Yelp
The collection at The Museum of Contemporary Art features works from a variety of talented artists, ranging from emerging artists to established names in the art world. I was particularly impressed with the exhibit on contemporary sculpture, which showcased an incredible range of styles and mediums. In addition to the fantastic artwork, the museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits and installations that encourage visitors to engage with the art in new and exciting ways. There was even a virtual reality exhibit that allowed visitors to immerse themselves in a 360-degree art experience.

Melody K.

Yelp
My friend and I went to The Broad Museum first and hit this museum 2nd., since we were spending the day in downtown LA., it worked out perfectly. This museum was fairly small, must get tickets online and they only release a month at a time in advance. The artist are not as well known but it is still a good walk through of contemporary art. We had 2:00 tickets. It took as about 45 minutes to go through. Well worth it and it's FREE!

Anita L.

Yelp
Thank you for free admissions. Really excited to hear that they are opening the museums to public for free. Hopefully, this will encourage more people to visit and appreciate the different artwork on display. You would need to reserve tickets through their online system in advance, I opted for an earlier time because it is easier to find street parking in Downtown LA at the earlier hours. It is not a huge museum, so I estimate you would need about 1-1.5 hour check out the artworks. I mean... everyone enjoy art at different pace, so just go at your own pace.

Mike M.

Yelp
Not a fan. I appreciate the fact that the basic museum is free but it took forever to process the tickets at their kiosk, prove vaccination status and finally walk in. I just "didn't get" most of their exhibits. Not my idea of art.

Brenda B.

Yelp
Nice to get in free. Pretty one sided. Let's keep the hate going. Omg. We are in 2023 let's evolve. Stop racism let's all be kind and get along.

Maria E.

Yelp
*CURRENT HOURS/FEES: Closed Mon/Tue/Wed. Open Thurs-Sun 11AM-5PM. FREE with advance reservations. Tickets are released every two weeks on Tuesday at 930AM. You can sign up for their mailing list and receive a notification once they are released. *PARKING: Their parking recommendations annoyed me. On their website, they recommend California Plaza. They mention that it's $11.50 flat rate for weekends and weekday evenings (it's gone up to $15.00). Not sure why evening parking is relevant since the museum closes at 5pm but perhaps they used to offer evening hours. They say that "weekday rates vary" with a $40.50 daily max (it's gone up to $44.00). What they don't mention is that for weekdays, it's really expensive to park for a short time. When I came, it was $4.50 for 10 minutes. I assumed that I should expect to spend an hour at the museum at the very least. That would be nearly $30 to park. No, thank you. They also fail to tell you that downtown is full of parking lots that charge $10-15 flat rate for all day parking. If you drive around for a bit, you'll find something. I ended up parking a couple blocks away for $12. I think they can update/elaborate on the California Plaza prices and be a little more helpful in their general recommendations. I posted a photo of the recent California Plaza prices here, btw. MUSEUM: Should you come here? That depends. You should obviously have some appreciation for contemporary art. More importantly, if you are just temporarily visiting Los Angeles, skip it. LA has tons of better museums and cultural sites. I'd only recommend coming here if you're a resident and have seen it all. It's a really small museum that's very hit or miss, in my opinion. I saw a couple pieces that I loved (see photo of Samara Golden's work) and a couple pieces that made me roll my eyes painfully hard. I won't post a photo here but there was a large paper scroll with chocolate stains that represented an artist's toil in lockdown. They noted the medium as "protein bar oil transfer." Come on. I know art is subjective but this is the sort of pretentious dreck that alienates folks from modern art. As far as the museum's permanent collection, they have a Rothko room. I am not a fan of color field personally but if you are, this might be worth seeing. I came here for free so I can't really complain (even though I did have to pay for parking). I'd likely feel more discontent if I had to pay an admission fee that felt incompatible with the value of the experience. SECOND LOCATION: They have a second location (in a great area, in Little Tokyo). I actually enjoyed that particular museum's offerings more but I do understand that exhibits change, which can influence visitor experience. Check details before you go as they likely have different hours/ticketing.

Diane M.

Yelp
Loved the MOCA! We reserved tickets in advance, which are free this year. On a Sunday we found street parking easily nearby. What I appreciated most about the MOCA was that descriptions about the art were brief enough that you could read all of them to fully appreciate everything in the museum, and still get through the museum in about an hour. Definitely recommend checking this place out, just make sure to reserve tickets in advance before you visit!

Jessica H.

Yelp
Came here on a Sunday. The museum entry was free. The museum wasn't very exciting to me. The staff seemed uninterested in being there. Mostly frowning with unwelcoming demeanor. A good portion of the museum was closed probably for renovation or new exhibit installations. The items seen while on this visit where just not interesting at all. I hope to return in the near future and hope it has other exhibits that make it worth the visit.

Jason M.

Yelp
My friend and I decided to take a day to absorb some culture in downtown LA, so we decided to explore two contemporary art museums in the area - one of them being The Museum of Contemporary Art. To be honest, we kind of stumbled upon MOCA by accident since we had purchased tickets for The Broad across the street but our ticket time was not for a couple of hours. No biggie though, I like modern art so I thought this would be the perfect place to pass the time. After purchasing our tickets, we were greeted inside by the staff who explained that the museum was one large loop. We were free to take as many pictures as we liked but we needed to keep arms length away from the art. Additionally, there was staff stationed all around the museum in case we had any questions. The museum wasn't large but also wasn't something you can just breeze through. They had a lot of exhibits on display with some informative blurbs relating to the pieces and the artists. Some things spoke to me more than others, but that's art - it's very subjective. I really applaud the museum for having a wide array of different types of art. We stopped by the museum store afterwards to check out the merch - lots of stuff to get but take note it was all quite pricey. There's also a small cafe directly outside the museum entrance in case you're looking for some sustenance. Overall, I had a good time at MOCA - while it's not the biggest museum, they pack a good amount in so you'll get your money's worth.

Betancourt E.

Yelp
Pretty cool place, very cool that you now can come in here for free thanks to a very generous soul out there. I enjoyed my visit here, learned a lot and will definitely be back, the people working there were very nice and we all just had a good time visiting this place. Thanks and we will see you soon.

Brie M.

Yelp
Had a museum day yesterday and as soon as we walked in, it really smelled bad...the front desk said it's the air brought in by Lemonade across the way but honestly the whole museum was stinky and stuffy. I was uncomfortable the whole time and couldn't really enjoy the art because of this. I suggested the front desk burn some candles but honestly they need to fix this issue. Didn't enjoy it much.

Ry T.

Yelp
The museum only had one half of the first floor opened as they're renovating the other half. Vaccination checks at the door with masking but admission is free. There's not a lot to see and we walked thru quickly. Bathrooms are downstairs. The building is older and needs remodeling. Gift shop is upstairs after you exit the museum. Items inside are expensive like $2 per postcard.

Max S.

Yelp
Even though it costs $30 per person for adult general admission, MOCA is still one of my favorite museums in Los Angeles. Located in the heart of downtown, everyone should visit at least once, if you're in the area. They have a Lemonade restaurant on the premises. The museum is one story, but they have a great collection of contemporary artists, along with the greats of past generations. I believe they rearrange the collection so that it appears fresh to regular patrons like myself. You need to check your backpack at the front desk.

Henri V.

Yelp
Among the current exhibitions are the murals on the exterior walls of the museum facing Grand Ave by artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby (born 1983 ) is a Nigerian-born visual artist working in Los Angeles, California. Per Wiki: 'Akunyili Crosby's art "negotiates the cultural terrain between her adopted home in America and her native Nigeria, creating collage and photo transfer-based paintings that expose the challenges of occupying these two worlds".' These murals are better visually to enjoy at daytime for lighting. Most of the pieces depict images of London and Venice. Was here yesterday afternoon/early evening with poor visibility. Returned today to fully appreciate vivid colors and details details details. Must see!

Sue T.

Yelp
Located conveniently across the street from the Broad, this museum is a bit smaller but with a lot more abstract contemporary art. I was able to take advantage of their student pricing at $8. I was very happy with the beautiful "With Pleasure:Pattern and decoration in American Art 1972-1985" exhibit they had. Everyone was extremely helpful and friendly to me. The customer service was significantly better here than it was at the Broad. I found that the Broad museum focused on the art while the MOCA focused on the art and also history of the artists. I learned a lot from visiting this museum and really enjoyed myself. I was fortunate enough to see many exhibitions that were recreated from decades ago such as a display of dandelion pollen and beautiful 3D painted flower wallpaper. I was not able to enjoy their permanent collection because it is still being renovated however, I was told my ticket would allow me to enjoy access of the MOCA's second location which was a quick 15 minute walk away. Some of the art I've seen here have invoked such strange feelings that I have never got from seeing art before. I was extremely impressed and I can say that this may be my favorite museum I have ever visited.

philip s.

Yelp
Henry taylor and Simone forti and permanent collection are pure boring pieces of junk. i can honestly say there are but a few pieces that are interesting but in general the whole administration staff at this museum should be fired and the art work thrown out. There is nothing amazing about it. Permanent collection should definitely be thrown out nothing remarkable there. None of the art brings out any beauty or amazement its mostly really boring art trying to be disguised as something amazing when in fact it's pretty much an all out bore. Such a shame!! it's just as boring as the Getty museum except the Getty has a beautiful view this has nothing ..

Alyssa G.

Yelp
Museum was nice, free and accessible. It was very clean and had tons of interesting thought provoking pieces, lots of artists I have never seen and tons of great well known art. Staff however, they were not very interactive and didn't add much to any of the spaces which I suppose is good for independent explorers. One attendant in particular I had a negative interaction with that ruined the whole experience for me. Tons of people were in this one room admiring the art and she started to yell at me from across the room in front of everyone telling me I was too close to the art. I was aware of the 2 feet aware tule and respected it. I'm not sure why she decided to single me out of everyone in that room but it definitely ruined the rest of the day for me.

Kristian D.

Yelp
Nice things often come in small packages. The Museum of Contemporary Art in DTLA could fall into this category. Their museum space is rather small compared to other museums in Los Angeles and beyond, but their location on Grand Avenue literally above 3rd Street is worth a stop on your adventure. MOCA has several locations around Los Angeles. This main location is about one mile from the Geffen annex, and admission to both museums is included in the fee for same day visits. It is rather easy to get a Lyft between the two making it a better value. It is always hard to evaluate an art museum since the art itself can often changes and is open to a wide range of appeal. On my visit, MOCA had several exhibits showcasing their regular collection and a special artists. They focus on modern and post modern art which is designed to evoke a lot more thought and emotion than other periods. The interior space is clean and open allowing for large scale exhibits. I really liked the interactive art game downstairs reminiscent of table tennis with a significant water hazard! You can easily see the museum in about an hour or two making it a quick stop near Grand Central Market. Taking the Angels Flight Railway is also a fun way to get here. MOCA is a nice option in DTLA, although the Broad has really created some steep competition just down the street. If you have limited time in Los Angeles, I am sorry, and I also recommend skipping MOCA in favor of the other museums. However, if you have the time and desire, it may be a great fit.

James W.

Yelp
This is a wonderful addition and a staple to the art scene in Los Angeles. Although the exhibits are smaller compared to others there is a good array and display of styles as are to the rotations that happen here. The secondary location in Little Tokyo is supplementary to the full experience. With the recent generous endowment, admission is free to all. Be courteous and enjoy the art.

Dani S.

Yelp
Our recent visit was disappointing. Half of the exhibits were closed and the other half seemed very small and the pieces were sparsely distributed. Came here for a quick visit since we were in DTLA for dinner and wanted to do something before dinner. We had been to the Broad across the street a few times and decided to switch it up and come here instead. The museum is actually really small compared to the Broad, and the admission is definitely not complimentary like the Broad. We saw a few interesting pieces when we were there, but the artwork was very few, and no where near as comprehensive as the Broad. There was also just a few rooms on one level, not much to see really. Parking is ~$8 in the structure validated by the museum. It is located right next to the Disney Concert Hall as well as Grand Performances. Overall a very mediocre experience.

Kell M.

Yelp
I didn't love this museum as much as The Broad, personal preference, but it still has some really great pieces. Just an FYI, Thursday nights it's FREE. The rest of the time entry is $15 (or $8 for students). I'd say make the trip to The Broad then come here since it's down the street and experience both!

Lucia B.

Yelp
Very nice art collections, but unfortunately the museum is not that big. You can see the whole thing in about 1 hr. It's a bit expensive considering the size, so I would definitely recommend visiting any Thursday from 5-8 pm when it's free. It's hard to find street parking, and some of the parking garages can get expensive! So plan accordingly. There are 2 Andy Warhol pieces in the museum, my friends and I were a bit disappointed that they didn't have more. Overall we had a great time, we came on a free museum day so it made it better! Staff is very knowledgeable make sure you ask them questions about the exhibits, it makes the experience 10x better!

Chris G.

Yelp
I came on a special evening where the MOCA was honoring Jeff Koons. The night was magical and I had a blast, world class art, musical stylings of John Legend and the modern genius Jeff Koons. For those interested in art, the museum is small-ish and can be appreciated in 30-60 minutes depending on how long you want to admire. They constantly rotate exhibits so there is always something different. Mind you, Contemporary art is frequently brilliant in simplicity, or the abstract presentation - some might look and questions the creative integrity, which is absolutely fine. the MOCA is A nice building, I suspect you will enjoy your visit like I did.

AC D.

Yelp
My small purse looked like a backpack to the woman at the front desk- although it is CLEARLY a purse and I am 43 yrs old, not a teenager. What fit in my purse was a wallet and my phone- which I am now carrying as she would not let me keep my purse on me. Completely ruined my experience.

Thuy Tien L.

Yelp
We came on a Thursday afternoon when admission was free. It's the 40th anniversary, so all of the pieces on exhibit are part of their permanent collection. I appreciated the themes art self reflexivity: what and who gets to consider what is art? Especially from the approach of POC and women artists. And the place isn't so big you get tired of it all. We spent about an hour and fifteen minutes here and got to read every caption and look at all the pieces!

Marilyn R.

Yelp
I wish I could leave this museum zero stars but instead I'll just boycott the MOCA and it's institutionalized "art" all together. Boycott the MOCA I was profiled at MOCA in DTLA today and I'm not happy about it. We got in trouble for having our selfie stick out at the museum even though it wasn't one of their posted rules. Before I knew it we had multiple security guards following us through out the museum this place is disgusting and I have a copy of the rules below and no where does it say anything about not having selfie sticks. According the visitor engagement supervisor, I should have read the entire online museum policies before attending. I've lived in LA all my life and never been a fan of elitist institutions especially the Museum of contemporary art. Like I even care about the arbitrary stuff they call "art". The reason MOCA is providing free admission because no one wants to pay to attend and see that stuff from the 1940's

Danielle W.

Yelp
This is a bad museum with arbitrary rules and ugly art. 1. Get your timed tickets in advance, even though there is literally no line to get in. Don't have them? Well, scan this QR code, and mill about with the others while you figure out their poorly designed website. 2. Show your vax card and ID to get in 3. Wait for the lobby to be completely clear of people before you can go in to scan your qr code 4. Your giant ass purse is allowed to come in with you, but my mini backpack, which converts to a purse isn't. I had to leave it completely unattended in the open, unlocked cubbies in the lobby, where anyone could just grab it and take it with them. 5. Look at the ugly, ugly art. Only 3 pieces of any interest. 6. Wait in a long line for the bathroom. 7. If someone in your party has to go back to use the bathroom, you wait outside - must keep the lobby clear for people who want to come in to see the terrible art. Just avoid this place. There are better things to do and nicer art to see.
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