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The Museum of Contemporary Art
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The Museum of Contemporary Art

See all things to do
See all things to do
The Museum of Contemporary Art
4
#78 of 802 things to do in Los Angeles
Art Museums
11:00 - 18:00
Monday
11:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
11:00 - 18:00
Thursday
11:00 - 20:00
Friday
11:00 - 18:00
Saturday
11:00 - 17:00
Sunday
11:00 - 05:00
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Downtown Los Angeles is a busy metropolis of towering buildings, bustling streets, and industrial warehouses. There is a distinct multiplicity of cultures here with a growing influx of business professionals and hipsters. Many call the evolution of Downtown over recent years gentrification. New lofts, bars, hotels and restaurants are popping up regularly. Downtown is home to some of the very best restaurants in the city leading the LA foodie scene, plus it is the location of cultural and sports venues including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Staples Center, and the Coliseum at the University of Southern California.
How to get there
  • Civic Center/Grand Park • 7 min walk
  • East LA Civic Center • 7 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,430 within 5 kms
Maccheroni Republic
378
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • European • Tuscan
Eggslut
569
0.4 km€ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Otium Restaurant
448
0.1 km€€€€ • American • International • Contemporary
Perch
963
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • French • American • Bar
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225
0.2 km€€€€ • American • Steakhouse • Contemporary
Water Grill
900
0.6 km€€€€ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
71Above Restaurant and Skylounge
249
0.4 km€€€€ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
72
0.3 km€ • Dessert
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198
0.2 km€€€€ • French • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
Pitchoun!
265
0.6 km€€ - €€€ • Bakeries • French • Cafe
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Attractions
418 within 10 kms
The Broad
1,797
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3,075
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California Plaza
11
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
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3
0.2 kmArt Galleries • Theatres
Angels Flight Railway
427
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Bank of America Building
10
0.2 kmArchitectural Buildings
Bradbury Building
633
0.4 kmArchitectural Buildings
ARCO Plaza
2
0.3 kmArchitectural Buildings
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433
0.5 kmLibraries
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33
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See all
See what travellers are saying
  • iparker5611
    Doylestown, Ohio353 contributions
    It's free
    You have to make a reservation before entering the museum. It's a small museum with a circle route so even taking your time you can walk through it all in about an hour to 1.5 hours. The gift shop is outside in another building and it's kinda small but you can still find something probably as a souvenir. It's free but make sure you plan other things around this area cause it's not worth a special trip/parking structure expense.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 March 2023
  • CasandraTP
    Sydney, Australia1,056 contributions
    Lovely modern art museum
    Popped in after visiting The Broad and we were impressed with the calibre of artwork that is displayed here. It is free to enter, but you have to book times tickets, luckily we were able to do this on the day, but it may be different in visiting on the weekend. It is not a large gallery and can be done in under 2 hours but definitely worth a visit.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 August 2023
  • Daniel M
    Middletown, Pennsylvania82 contributions
    A Great Free Experience in LA
    This is a fantastic stop if you are in LA. It is free and the art display is impressive. Got to see my first real deal Jackson Pollock. I would recommend getting free tix online before showing up. It was not as busy as the Broad, but would still be worth planning ahead.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written 2 September 2023
  • Lori M
    California1,608 contributions
    did not enjoy, too esoteric and "arty" for us
    adult son and I did not enjoy the art on display. too esoteric for us. they probably switch out exhibits and these two didn't resonate with us. for example, there were a bunch of different sized mirrors lined up near the bottom of a wall, there were 2 panels with nothing inside but a painted border, there was a large work made of mostly whitish squares. it's a very nice facility and the price is amazing (free) but we did not enjoy it.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
305 reviews
Excellent
94
Very good
118
Average
70
Poor
15
Terrible
8
Marblehead750
Dayton, OH727 contributions
Just OK
Sep 2023 • Solo
Not a huge museum and some of the art didn't appeal to me. It's nicely displayed, but there were only a few pieces that stood out to me. Thankfully, admission is free or I would have been disappointed.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori M
California1,608 contributions
did not enjoy, too esoteric and "arty" for us
Sep 2023 • Family
adult son and I did not enjoy the art on display. too esoteric for us. they probably switch out exhibits and these two didn't resonate with us. for example, there were a bunch of different sized mirrors lined up near the bottom of a wall, there were 2 panels with nothing inside but a painted border, there was a large work made of mostly whitish squares. it's a very nice facility and the price is amazing (free) but we did not enjoy it.
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel M
Middletown, PA82 contributions
A Great Free Experience in LA
Sep 2023 • Business
This is a fantastic stop if you are in LA. It is free and the art display is impressive. Got to see my first real deal Jackson Pollock. I would recommend getting free tix online before showing up. It was not as busy as the Broad, but would still be worth planning ahead.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CasandraTP
Sydney, Australia1,056 contributions
Lovely modern art museum
Aug 2023 • Couples
Popped in after visiting The Broad and we were impressed with the calibre of artwork that is displayed here. It is free to enter, but you have to book times tickets, luckily we were able to do this on the day, but it may be different in visiting on the weekend. It is not a large gallery and can be done in under 2 hours but definitely worth a visit.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel39,605 contributions
A small museum.
Apr 2023 • Couples
This is a rather small (and free) museum for contemporary art.
We spent less than 30 minutes in the museum, as nothing really impressed us too much.
Still, it's worth a quick look, if you have some time.
Written 24 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jadeannbyrne
Los Angeles, CA11 contributions
Trolling is a Art at the MOCA
May 2023 • Solo
Hey there, art enthusiasts! Let's dive into the enchanting world of The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in LA, shall we? As Jade Ann Byrne, I stepped into this creative haven and instantly felt a surge of inspiration coursing through my veins. It's like being embraced by an explosion of artistic brilliance!

During my visit, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in captivating exhibitions that spanned various mediums and styles. Each artwork spoke to me in its unique language, inviting me to explore its depths and unravel its secrets. From bold paintings to thought-provoking installations, every corner held the promise of a new artistic adventure.

The Geffen Contemporary is more than just a museum; it's a sanctuary of creativity and self-expression. Every step revealed a new discovery - from the fascinating concepts explored by the artists to the way the space itself was transformed into a vessel of imagination. It felt like stepping into a portal that transported me to a realm where art and life merge seamlessly.

The staff at The Geffen Contemporary deserves special mention for their warmth and knowledge. Their passion for art and dedication to sharing it with visitors was evident in every interaction. They graciously answered my questions, providing insights into the artistic process and expanding my understanding of the pieces on display.

And let's not forget the ambiance! The industrial-chic setting of The Geffen Contemporary adds a touch of urban charm to the entire experience. It's the perfect backdrop for these innovative works of art, creating a harmonious blend of creativity and aesthetics.

So, fellow art lovers, I urge you to embark on your own journey through The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. Let its walls envelop you in a symphony of artistic expression, allowing your senses to dance to the rhythm of creativity. Open your mind, open your heart, and let the art guide you to new realms of inspiration and self-discovery.
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iparker5611
Doylestown, OH353 contributions
It's free
Feb 2023 • Couples
You have to make a reservation before entering the museum. It's a small museum with a circle route so even taking your time you can walk through it all in about an hour to 1.5 hours. The gift shop is outside in another building and it's kinda small but you can still find something probably as a souvenir. It's free but make sure you plan other things around this area cause it's not worth a special trip/parking structure expense.
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toria ⭐️
San Francisco, CA45 contributions
Nice Museum
Nov 2022 • Solo
There was only one artist on display when i visited but the pieces were beautiful. Nice little museum, would recommend. They also offer a free shuttle to their second location.
Written 18 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LadyN516
Atlanta, GA92 contributions
Maybe im not the target demographic
Jul 2022
I think they were being very generous with some of these pieces by calling them art (no offense to the artists)...i wouldn't call a blank framed canvas or a gold plated vacuum "art", but to each his/her own i suppose. There were several cool pieces though and admission is free so there's that. It is across the street from the Broad museum, which i visited a few years ago and can confirm has a much better collection.
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori S
103 contributions
Ho-Hum for my taste
Jun 2022
Not very impressed with the collection in the museum at this location on S. Grand Ave.
Glad we did not pay for admission. Worth a walk through after you spend time at The Broad (across the street). More impressive collection of art at LACMA in Mid-Wilshire location. Check to see which buildings and/or exhibits are open at LACMA, as I believe some are closed for renovation.
Written 4 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Museum of Contemporary Art
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