Discovering the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art: A Guide for Art Enthusiasts

Are you an art enthusiast looking for a new museum to explore? Then, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Virginia Beach is an ideal destination for you. As a hub of contemporary art, MOCA offers visitors an array of exhibitions, educational programs, and events that engage with the latest developments in the art world. This article will provide an overview of MOCA, its collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and how to plan your visit.

Introduction to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary ArtWhat is MOCA?

MOCA’s Mission

MOCA’s History

1. MOCA’s Permanent Collection

The Collection’s Focus

Prominent Artists in the Collection

Highlights of the Collection

1. MOCA’s Temporary Exhibitions

The Museum’s Exhibition Spaces

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

Previous Exhibitions

1. MOCA’s Educational Programs

MOCA’s Education Center

Classes and Workshops

School Programs

Outreach Programs

1. Planning Your Visit to MOCA

Location and Hours

Admission and Membership

Accessibility and Amenities

Dining and Shopping

1. Conclusion
2. FAQs

FAQ 1: What are the museum’s hours of operation?

FAQ 2: Is photography allowed inside the museum?

FAQ 3: Are there any discounts available for admission?

FAQ 4: Can I bring my pet inside the museum?

FAQ 5: Does MOCA offer guided tours?

Are you ready to discover the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art? Then, let’s dive into the details!

1. Introduction to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

What is MOCA?

VA Museum of Contemporary Art is a non-profit museum in the Virginia Beach Oceanfront district. The museum’s mission is to explore contemporary art and culture by presenting exhibitions, educational programs, and events that engage with the latest developments in the art world.

MOCA’s Mission

MOCA’s mission is to foster awareness, exploration, and understanding of the significant art of our time. Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art stimulates critical thinking and dialogue throughout the Hampton Roads community through excellence and diversity in our changing exhibitions and educational programming.

MOCA’s History

MOCA was founded in 1952 as the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia (CACV). It was initially located in a converted public school building in the heart of Virginia Beach’s resort area. In 1975, CACV moved to a new facility designed by internationally acclaimed architect Thomas S. Marvel. In 1997, the museum changed its name to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and relocated to a new building at the Oceanfront.

1. MOCA’s Permanent Collection

The Collection’s Focus

MOCA’s permanent collection focuses on contemporary art from the 1950s to now. The collection includes over 1,500 works in various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video.

Prominent Artists in the Collection

The collection features works by both national and international artists. Some prominent artists in the collection include Jeff Koons, Chuck Close, Kiki Smith, and Kara Walker.

Highlights of the Collection

The permanent collection includes several striking pieces. One highlight is “Untitled (Lamp/Bear),” a sculpture by artist Urs Fischer. Another highlight is “A Small Matter of Engineering,” a mixed