What to Know Before You Go: Museum of Contemporary Art

This life-size bridge usually has everyone enthralled. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

One of the best parts of living in a large city like Los Angeles is the opportunity to visit so many museums, not necessarily all free but definitely easily accessible. On my last visit to The Broad, I totally did not realize that the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) was right across the street (if you can believe it)! But I did intend on visiting and glad I finally found the time. Here are a few things to know before you go...

The Lemonade cafe and courtyard before you enter. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

1. MOCA is easily accessible by Metro if you are open to public transport. They do have a few parking areas in the vicinity and you should be able to easily find a spot if the slightly tiresome upward slope from Metro to venue is going to pose a problem. If you do use Metro, you can get 2 for 1 admission by showing your TAP card!
2. This location is on Grand Ave in Downtown L.A – there are two other locations: one called Geffen which is currently closed for renovation and the other inside the Pacific Design Center which is always free to visit.

This iconic piece greets you at the plaza. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

3. The ticket center is on the plaza level as is the gift store but to enter the museum, you will have to go down a flight of stairs. The entire museum is on just one large floor – you don’t quite realize how large it is until you are inside.
4. There is a little courtyard café called Lemonade right before you enter the museum in case you need to grab a bite. Remember though that there are food trucks aplenty right outside The Broad if you need another option.

The Rothkos are ravishing. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

5. The works inside the museum are displayed in chronological order covering art across several decades as you go from room to room. It is organized in one big loop so you end where you started.
6. Each hall is pretty open in its floor plan with lots of room to view each piece at leisure. My special place was the Rothko Room – I could sit there all day reading if only they’d let me bring in some hot chocolate!

Blast from the past! How many even know what this is anymore? (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

7. The museum staff are really nice to talk to. They know so much about each piece here and have probably been asked any and all questions you have right now so simply ask them instead of wondering why. Also, I am pretty sure they are going to be thankful for someone to talk to after all day of standing around tirelessly making themselves available to guests.
8. The last room is a lounge area with a dual screen and some interesting clips. I won’t say much but the clip is about ten minutes so ensure you stay for one whole loop of it. You will recognize many on that show and maybe that will help understand more when you read the descriptor.

Contrasts always make a mark. (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

9. When you head downstairs to the restrooms, there is a little library nook hidden way, which would make for some great reading time, if you have the time to spare. Now I can see why they don’t let you bring in beverages.
10. As always, remember to walk along the outside of the building. While we usually focus on what’s inside the museum, the building that houses the museum is a piece of art itself.

Loved the open airy floor plan. didn't feel rushed to see everything , almost felt at ease to wander around and enjoy at my own pace... (Image: Ruksana Hussain)

​Given that this is the only museum in L.A targeting contemporary art, I am sure you will find something here that piques your interest. Let me know in the comments if you have visited and what your fave/not so fave work was?

Hope you enjoyed this little review and found it helpful. Let me know your experience if you go. If you enjoyed reading this post, then hit that coffee cup at the bottom of your screen to support my work. I pen these articles from my own experiences and share information that might assist in planning a better visit for you. If you liked this post, then check out some of the other Museum Reviews on the site or also plan an Around the World in LA day for yourself with my book as a reference resource!​

Author

Ruksana Hussain is the publisher and editor of Traveler and Tourist digital magazine, author of Around the World in Los Angeles, and award-winning journalist and writer at RH Media Consulting. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook or through the Contact Form.