Museum Of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Essential Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (MOCA) stands as a leading institution dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Founded in 1979, MOCA is unique as the city’s only artist-founded museum, reflecting the creative vitality and cultural diversity of Los Angeles. Its extensive collection spans art created after 1940 and showcases works by prominent artists such as Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg, and Barbara Kruger (MOCA Mission & History).
MOCA operates across two primary venues: the architecturally acclaimed MOCA Grand Avenue, designed by Arata Isozaki, and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, an expansive converted warehouse in Little Tokyo. A third site, Double Negative, features Michael Heizer’s monumental land art in Nevada (MOCA Grand Avenue, MOCA Geffen Know Before You Go). The museum’s central location within LA’s Grand Avenue cultural corridor places it alongside landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad Museum, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience (TravelCaffeine MOCA Review).
This comprehensive guide delivers all you need to plan your visit, from current exhibitions and ticketing to accessibility, architectural highlights, and nearby attractions.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance
- Visiting Hours & Tickets
- Accessibility and Getting There
- Venues and Exhibitions
- Special Events and Tours
- Major Exhibitions (2024–2026)
- Nearby Attractions
- Visitor Services and Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Sources
History and Significance
MOCA was established in 1979 by a coalition of artists, civic leaders, and philanthropists, including founding chairman Eli Broad, who was instrumental in securing the museum’s world-class collection (The Broad Foundation). The original Grand Avenue building, completed in 1986 by Arata Isozaki, is a postmodern architectural icon. MOCA’s collection now numbers nearly 8,000 works, highlighting major postwar movements such as Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism, and Conceptual Art (MOCA Mission & History).
The museum is renowned for ambitious exhibitions, scholarly publications, and public programs that reflect and challenge contemporary perspectives.
Visiting Hours & Tickets
MOCA Grand Avenue
- Address: 250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed Mondays
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
- Address: 152 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Admission
- General admission is free, courtesy of Carolyn Clark Powers.
- Special exhibition tickets: $18 (adults), $10 (students/seniors), free for children under 12 and MOCA members.
- Advance online booking is recommended for special exhibitions (MOCA Ordinary People Exhibition).
For the latest updates, visit the official MOCA website.
Accessibility and Getting There
MOCA is committed to accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms
- Service animals welcome
- Assistive listening devices and ASL interpretation available upon request
- Accessible parking spaces at nearby lots
Public Transit:
- MOCA Grand Avenue: Near Civic Center/Grand Park and Pershing Square Metro stations
- The Geffen Contemporary: Accessible from Little Tokyo/Arts District Metro station
For comprehensive access information, visit MOCA Accessibility.
Venues and Exhibitions
MOCA Grand Avenue
This postmodern landmark by Arata Isozaki features a red Indian sandstone façade and sunken courtyard, creating a contemplative environment. Most galleries are below street level and illuminated by natural light. The site houses the permanent collection and major exhibitions (MOCA Grand Avenue).
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Originally a police car warehouse, Frank Gehry’s adaptive reuse delivers an open-plan, industrial space ideal for large-scale and experimental installations. Its flexible galleries regularly host major contemporary exhibitions (MOCA Geffen Know Before You Go).
Double Negative
Michael Heizer’s “Double Negative” in Nevada is a monumental example of site-specific land art and remains part of MOCA’s collection (MOCA Mission & History).
Special Events and Guided Tours
MOCA offers a variety of public programs:
- Docent-led and audio tours (book in advance)
- Artist talks, panel discussions, and workshops
- Family and teen programs
For tour schedules and event booking, visit MOCA Tours & Programs and MOCA Programs.
Major Exhibitions at MOCA (2024–2026)
- Ordinary People: Photorealism and the Work of Art since 1968 (Grand Avenue, through May 4, 2025): Explores the legacy and evolution of photorealism (MOCA Press Release).
- MOCA Focus: Ana Segovia (Grand Avenue, through May 4, 2025): The artist’s first U.S. solo show, examining identity and cultural narratives (e-flux announcement).
- Olafur Eliasson: OPEN (Geffen, through July 6, 2025): Immersive installation blending art, science, and perception.
- Diary of Flowers: Artists and their Worlds (Grand Avenue, March 2, 2025 – January 4, 2026): Over 80 works exploring artists’ personal and collective worlds (Finance Yahoo).
- MOCA Focus: Takako Yamaguchi (Grand Avenue, June 29, 2025 – March 1, 2026): Paintings blending Japanese and modernist traditions.
- Fictions of Display (Grand Avenue, June 29, 2025 – March 1, 2026): Investigates how objects and performance inform art presentation.
- Wael Shawky: Drama 1882 (Geffen, February 20 – March 16, 2025): Operatic film installation on historical counter-narratives.
- MONUMENTS (Geffen, October 23, 2025 – May 24, 2026): Examines public monuments and memory through contemporary and historical works.
For a full schedule, see MOCA Exhibition Schedule.
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Corridor
MOCA’s Grand Avenue location is within walking distance of:
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- The Broad Museum
- Grand Park
- Little Tokyo Historic District
Combine your museum visit with these notable Los Angeles historical sites for a full cultural day (TravelCaffeine MOCA Review).
Visitor Services and Tips
- Museum Store: Visit the MOCA Store at Grand Avenue for art books, design objects, and unique gifts.
- Photography: Non-flash photography is permitted in most permanent collection galleries; special exhibitions may have restrictions.
- Café: Check the website for current food and beverage options.
- Digital Resources: Enhance your visit with MOCA’s virtual tours, interactive maps, and MOCAtv for artist interviews and educational content (The Family Savvy).
- Best Visiting Times: Weekday mornings or late afternoons are less crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are MOCA’s hours?
A: MOCA Grand Avenue: Tue–Sun, 11 AM–5 PM; The Geffen Contemporary: Wed–Sun, 11 AM–5 PM. Closed Mondays (and Tuesdays for Geffen).
Q: How much is admission?
A: General admission is free; special exhibitions require tickets.
Q: Is MOCA accessible?
A: Yes, with wheelchair access, assistive devices, and accessible amenities.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, both docent-led and audio tours are offered.
Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Non-flash photography is generally allowed in permanent collection areas.
Conclusion
A visit to MOCA Los Angeles offers a transformative experience at the intersection of contemporary art, architecture, and community. With its free general admission, rich and varied exhibitions, and central location near other LA landmarks, MOCA remains a must-see destination for locals and visitors alike. Plan ahead by booking tickets for special exhibitions, exploring virtual resources, and considering a guided tour for deeper insights. Download the Audiala app for personalized museum guides and stay connected via MOCA’s social media for the latest events and exhibitions.
