The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, or moCa, is at 11400 Euclid Avenue in University Circle. Its exhibitions change throughout the year, so each visit brings work by different contemporary artists. The building is a striking black geometric form, and inside, the galleries are spread across four compact floors. Look for the interactive art-making room on the third floor, the larger exhibition space on the fourth, and the giant hand sculpture outside. Plan at least an hour to spend time with the art rather than simply walk through.
A museum built around changing exhibitions
The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland opened in 1968. It began as The New Gallery and later became the Cleveland Centre for Contemporary Art before taking its current name. Rather than maintaining a permanent collection, moCa presents temporary exhibitions. Its programme has included emerging artists as well as established names, and the museum has introduced Cleveland audiences to artists such as Andy Warhol.
The exhibitions change several times a year, so the works on view depend on when you visit. The museum has presented more than 2,000 artists since its founding, with solo exhibitions among its programmes. Check what is currently on before you go if you have a particular artist or subject in mind.
The galleries and interactive room
The museum’s four floors make for a compact visit compared with larger art institutions. Exhibition spaces are arranged across the building, with a wide-open gallery on the fourth floor. That level has held a larger number of works, giving you room to pause and look closely rather than hurry from one display to the next.
On the third floor, an interactive room has included activities such as drawing and building a model home. The activities have connected with the themes of the exhibitions, including repurposed materials and housing. What you can do there depends on the current programme. Staff and docents can help explain the artists and works on view.
The building on Euclid Avenue
MoCa is at 11400 Euclid Avenue, at the intersection with Mayfield Road in University Circle. Its current building opened in 2012 and was designed by architect Farshid Moussavi. The exterior is a black, angular form; inside, high ceilings and open gallery spaces give the building a very different feel from a traditional sequence of small rooms.
Before or after going inside, take a look at the large hand sculpture outside. The museum also has an observation deck. Together, the exterior artwork and the building’s unusual geometry give you details to notice beyond the changing exhibitions.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I spend at moCa Cleveland?
Allow at least an hour to look through the exhibitions at a comfortable pace. A quicker visit can take around 30 minutes.
When is the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland open?
The museum is open Thursday through Sunday and closed Monday through Wednesday. Check its current schedule before travelling.
Does moCa Cleveland have a permanent collection?
No. The museum is a non-collecting institution, and its exhibitions change during the year.
What should I see at the museum?
Look for the interactive room on the third floor, the exhibitions in the fourth-floor gallery, the observation deck and the large hand sculpture outside.
