The Museum of Contemporary Art is all about celebrating the world’s greatest contemporary artists. It’s where Jeff Koons had his first solo museum exhibition and where Frida Kahlo’s first US exhibition was held. Legendary dancers, including Mikhail Baryshnikov and Martha Graham, have also performed here. The museum experience begins at a street-level staircase, an excellent spot for people-watching on warm summer days. Head up the stairs to find pieces from the museum’s vast post-WWII collection, which includes work from Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol and Kara Walker, a Black artist best known for her artistic silhouettes and for showing the long-lasting, tragic effects of slavery.
The museum is one of the nation’s most voracious collectors of work by Black female artists. And while art is the museum’s big draw, its architecture is also to be admired. Check out the leaf-shaped spiral staircase at the northwestern corner of the building. The view looking up might just be inspiring enough to make you want to climb to the top. While the museum does charge admission, several spaces can be experienced for free. The museum stays open late on Tuesday evenings.
Tuesdays on the Terrace
One of the best ways to experience the Museum of Contemporary Art is through Tuesdays on the Terrace. The summer concert series is free to attend and takes place at the museum’s terrace garden. The museum has historically featured jazz performers but has been expanding the lineup to include musicians representing other genres. Performances begin at 5:30pm and end at 8pm. Food and drinks are available for purchase, or you can pack your own picnic.
