The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA

The Geffen Contemporary offers a world-class contemporary art experience. The gallery spaces are enormous, which allows for incredible installations you can really walk through and explore. The artwork is always fresh and exciting, showcasing both local and international artists. The museum staff are knowledgeable and helpful, making the visit smooth and enjoyable. It’s one of my favorite art spaces in Los Angeles and a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Attended of first Friday Jan 2 and there was quite a wait even with tickets in advance. It was definitely worth the wait. Well curated shows (this is our second time in 3 years). Monuments is incredibly impactful and important to see.

Really amazing art on display and a quick walk from little Tokyo. The staff are friendly and the exhibits are always top notch! Def recommend a visit if you're new in town or a long time resident that just hasn't made it yet. There was a super cool exhibition exploring light and reflections when we stopped by.

My first time at the Geffen at MOCA for Olafur Eliasson: Open. We arrived there before 11 am, hoping it would be less crowded. I was mesmerized by it, the way he presented his work is simply magical!! There is a parking next to the building ($7/day), and the fee was $18, which I thought was worthwhile. After the exhibit, we strolled around Little Tokyo.

I came here for the Olafur Eliasson: OPEN show. It is probably the best artist solo show I’ve seen in years. The artist showed his marvelous thinking and understanding of nature’s elements, and the execution of transforming the concepts into the artwork for the audience to enjoy and interact with is profound. I also love the message he is trying to send through this exhibition: Are we open to vulnerability and others’ perspectives? Are we open to wonder? It was a wonderful and magical experience. Very inspiring.

Museum is okay, nothing too amazing or interesting like the previous reviewers showed with their photos from their experience. I was utterly disappointed to see how boring and lacklaster it was. Don't think it was worth the $18 plus parking. Seeing a whole room dedicated to a KKK member portraits or seeing photos of a black woman posed naked around the city isn't art to me. Not to mention a bunch of concrete with spray paint words on it isn't something that should be in a museum. Either I'm out of touch or this museum is the best thing since slice bread.

Very nice art installations! We came on the last day of this installation (Olafur Eliasson: OPEN) and are very glad we got to see it. The art played with lights, shadows, and colors.

One of my very favorite art museums in Los Angeles. Everything is so well done and there is so much to see and for those that are into pictures of any type this is a great place for you to visit. The artists are always changing but every time I stop and it is very well done and organized and I have only received positive feedback from those that I’ve been with. It’s hard to say what my favorite part was this time, maybe walking through the light bulbs that looked like rain, or the miniature TV in the floor, or the giant size living room and remote control with a interactive TV. Parking is available on site and they have a great gift shop in the corner near the entrance. I highly recommend to anyone.

It's FREE! Unless you're going to a special exhibition. It is recommended to reserve tickets online first, but even on a busier Saturday afternoon we were able to just walk in and have the front desk help us real quick. We went during their AFTER PARTY exhibition and the we were told the general rules and gist of the art exhibit. Definitely a once in a life time experience that I have never been to before. We followed some arrows into a room completed shrouded in darkness. Several pillars of light were resonating mostly red light (transitioned to white later on) and this vaporizing, booming sound was playing along with some whispering as well. A bit of an ominous feeling and felt like were going to get deleted by some extraterrestrials real quick. In the middle of the room is an X on the ground to stand on, under a pillar of light that adjusts in brightness and eventually goes to darkness. Sound and lack of/sudden addition of lights are the key to the exhibit and because of this it did felt like some of the other senses were enhanced/deprived. Ear plugs are available too if its too overstimulating. Can't say I'm the most well versed in art but for a free exhibit that we walked into in Little Tokyo, it was a neat short experience!

I love visiting art museums, especially in LA. LA is filled with creativity and inspiration when it comes to art. I had been curious about The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA ever since I saw the bold red artwork by Barbara Kruger that is displayed outside of the museum. My partner and I decided to visit here on a whim before heading out to Little Tokyo, which is close by the museum. Admission is free and even though the museum is quite small, there is a lot to see. When we arrived, there were two special exhibitions featuring two amazing artists: Paul Pfeiffer and Eddie Rodolfo Aparicio. Parking is usually street/meter parking, although there is a spacious lot outside of the museum. Oh, and visit the neat little gift shop afterward! It's always great to support local and independent artists.

I visited the MOCA museum last month, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was free to enter. As it was not a busy time, I was able to reserve my ticket right at the front desk. While there were no art exhibitions presented during my visit, the workers at the museum had set up the space in a creative way, with changing lights and sounds every few minutes. The walls were empty, but the atmosphere was amazing - the sounds ranged from soft and healing to modern and high-beat loud music, while the lighting changed from dark to blinking. The space was big and not crowded at all, so visitors could walk around or even sit in the corner and enjoy the moments. The experience was healing and joyful, and we ended up staying for about 30 minutes. The lighting was so cool that we even managed to take some good photos there.

This review is primarily for The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA located 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012; I visited 12/22/2024 around 2:30PM. First, their website needs to update the information they have regarding this location; it says free for general admission, but it is not free. Second, the moment we walked in, the ticket issuing personnel up front (two young women) were gossiping and being very unprofessional, we waited until they gave us the time of day to issue our tickets. They do not care about customer service. Third, the museum itself is not worth spending the money to see as there is not much creativity or color that would get a person to think/feel inspired from. I can say that if the customer service was better from the start of the visit I would not be writing this review; because the check in service was rude it pretty much ruined the visit from the start. Also want to mention that this review excludes The Museum of Contemporary Art located on 250 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012; that location is slightly better and has more to see. This location is just not worth the time/money. If you come here, please visit the Japanese American National Museum that is directly next to it, it is a place that will get you to think/learn.

I like that it's right near little Tokyo and the space is so unique that certain art work can only really be shared properly in this kind of cavernous setting.

WTF.... I understand that the Museum could have limited access during the build out of a coming installation... but PLEASE have the courtesy to NOT issue tickets for a specific day and time if the Museum is CLOSED! Showed up, with reserved date and time to be turned away. This venture included planning, multiple freeways and parking paid for bupkis. I received an email confirmation of the reservation, so why not send a text or email to update the museum is CLOSED? Administrative oversight, not OK

Everyone should visit the Contemporary at least once. Definitely less crowded, fantastic art, great staff, nice location - and guess what - free of charge to enter. LA at its best!

I haven't been to this MOCA location in over a decade. Came by here for this special event and was a little underwhelmed. However, it was a nice showing, just wished the exhibit was more compelling. Clearly had more than enough space for more art. We did end up purchasing a nice laptop sleeve. :-) we'll be back for a different exhibit.

I tossed between four and five, and concluded with five stars. An art museum can be very subjective based on what and which exhibitions are showing at the time of visit and can hinder your perspective on the museum unless you go consistently. Honestly, I had not been a fan of this particular art museum until recent years. It wasn't until last year's Pipilotti Rist: Big Heartedness, Be My Neighbor exhibition that I learned to appreciate the space. The museum and its curators aren't afraid to provoke thoughts. You should be prepared to be uncomfortable and yet be in awe of some exhibitions. Their current, but soon to be closed, Tala Madani: Biscuits exhibition certainly provoked thoughts in the midst of discomfort at times and awe. Five stars? While their staff can be a bit aloof, no harm was ever done. And, I love their yoga program. Practicing yoga in a large space filled with art... I don't think I need to explain it further. Nearest Metro Station: Red and Purples Lines - Civic Center Station While in the area: Stroll through Little Tokyo Japanese Village; Eats & Cocktails at RedBird; Ramen at Daikokuya.

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.

Such a great place for art lovers as well as music. It is an experience that tugs at all your senses. I love the many spacious rooms and places to sit sleep talk eat think and just be. Very beautiful lighting and music surrounds you in all rooms. Definitely a great place to get in touch with all of yourself! Parking hard to find if on street but there is a structure parking in Japanese Village.

One of my very favorite art museums in Los Angeles. Everything is so well done and there is so much to see and for those that are into pictures of any type this is a great place for you to visit. The artists are always changing but every time I stop and it is very well done and organized and I have only received positive feedback from those that I've been with. It's hard to say what my favorite part was this time, maybe walking through the light bulbs that looked like rain, or the miniature TV in the floor, or the giant size living room and remote control with a interactive TV. Parking is available on site and they have a great gift shop in the corner near the entrance. I highly recommend to anyone.

I decided to stop by on a whim after an appointment across the street. I arrived 10 minutes prior to opening (11 am on a Friday) and noticed there was a line and they all had a reservation. The staff was able to help me make a reservation on the spot and I was able to go in immediately at 11am. The current artist's installation is Pipilotti Rist: Big Heartedness, Be My Neighbor, it was an immersive experience that allowed for visitors to sit and even lay on the furniture. I was happy to have experienced it early in the day as there were few people and it really allowed for a beautiful experience. I highly recommend stopping by and I especially recommend experiencing it alone to really take in the feelings being evoked.

Hey, you're in luck now! MOCA just received a major multimillion dollar donation so admission is now free to the masses. Yes, finally, admission is free to all. You just need either a phone number or email address, in order for them to scan your ticket. This has always been my favorite museum in Los Angeles because of the great contemporary artwork on display, and the space is so expansive. There is a loft style upstairs area with more art. You can either roam freely or they also provide guided tours. Looks like they have young art students strategically standing near the artwork, keeping watch so no one decides to get too close and personal and touch the artwork. They have a small gift shop near the entrance on the right.

Beautiful experience here. I didn't reserve the tickets ahead of time but they allowed me to purchase on-site. Plenty of seating for you to enjoy the visual experience and different rooms for you experience something new. Overall, many aspects of the art can be enjoyed by all ages. However, there are some videos with nudity that might not be suitable for children. The art is interactive, in the sense where you can sit at the dinner table, bed, sofa, benches, desk, chaise, cushions, or floor... just don't touch anything with your hands. Don't move the items on the desks, tables, shelves, etc. take as many photos as you want, but remember to turn off your flash. I parked across the street in the structure because I was in the other plaza before coming. Entrance might be hard to find for those who have never been to this site. Follow the path behind the rubix cube to the white tent. At the tent, they will check your vaccination card. Beyond the doors, they will check your reservation. The experience was wonderful enough to come again. Which I will! - the staff informed me that I will be receiving a re-entrance code in the email, in a few days. A 2-for-1 deal!

Wow, it is hard to believe that I've never written a review about this art museum. I have literally been coming here since it opened many-many years ago. It's name has changed a couple of times but what is always offered is a great exhibition space of new school art. Located just across the street from Little Tokyo this art museum is very easy to get to. There are several parking lots in the area as well as street parking, so normally parking is not a problem -- though the streets can become quite crowded sometimes. What this museum offers is an ever changing, every evolving display of great art. They show the works of established artist as well as many new and upcoming ones as well. This is truly a great space to get your dose of art whenever you are in the area. The interior of this museum is very large and very industrial. It is not overly designed as is the case with some museums. In fact, even the pipes that run along the ceilings are a great visual display of art. This is truly a great museum.

Here at MOCA's new Art Exhibit by Pipilotti Rist 'Big Heartedness, Be My Neighbor' If you're in the L.A. area don't miss this one! Good Times in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles! Pipilotti Rist's installations explore relationships of video and the body; exterior environments and interior psychological landscapes; and reason and instinct. The exhibition surveys more than thirty years of the Zürich-based artist's work, encompassing early single-channel videos; large-scale installations brimming with color and hypnotic musical scores; and sculptures that merge everyday objects, video, and decorative forms.

Seriously disappointed by our experience here. We were staying at the Omni nearby and could see this museum from our room. So we had to wait a bit to get in even though everyone had reservations. No big deal. However, there were a bunch of employees just standing around talking to each other and they were not welcoming at all. They just had a negative vibe - like they didn't want to be there - and it just showed in there service. And when we finally got in, they made a big deal with one of our small bags being a backpack. We showed them that the straps could come off and it really wasn't a backpack. Again, it wouldn't have been a big deal but it was just their attitude about it. Some of the gallery was interesting but overall I didn't find it at all worth visiting, especially after visiting the Broad the day before.

Short and sweet. I feel like I don't tend to enjoy browsing museums for a long time so I liked how there was just a small amount of things to look at here. The bathroom was pretty clean as well.

Well did not have tickets and walked up to the customer service person sitting outside the door. There was no one around, no line for people with tickets or reservations, there was no one around. I thought that was odd as it was Sunday afternoon. We did not have tickets. I asked if we could get tickets and go in. He said no they were completely booked. We had just been two other galleries and they had people standing outside, they looked busy. This place did not look busy at all. He insisted that there were no tickets to be had. And then there was the exception - unless you become a member. How much was that I asked - if I remember correctly - it was $100-120 dollars. Stunned = they do not want to take walks in - unless you hand them a pile of cash. I guess that is what you call - the rich get richer or something like that. If this is the way they act towards the art appreciating public - there are probably other exhibits that deserve your attention and patronage.

Great artistic exhibits hosted in the center of Little Tokyo. I spontaneously stumbled upon an exhibit hosted here after lunch in Little Tokyo.

The Geffen Contemporary Arts Museum is very different from the classic and renowned museums in the city. This museum looks way more open to experimentation and contemporary artistic. Recommended if you want to see something new out of the ordinary. The current exhibition is on Judith F. Baca: World Wall. It was interesting and unique.

This is an amazing collection of contemporary art! They have organized it well, and it's the size of my attention span. Loved it!

The Pippilotti Rist exhibit is my absolute favorite exhibit I've ever seen. I would've paid more money to see it!! Totally worth checking out. It's experiential art, it's AMAZING!

As a MOCA member I was invited to a special celebration of Adrián Villar Rojas: The Theater of Disappearance hosted by Bryan Barcena, co-curator of the exhibition and MOCA Research Assistant for Latin American research. Bryan also gave a private walkthrough of the exhibition. This event had coffee, cocktails, and small brunch bites that were served outside on the new Aileen Getty Plaza. My interpretation about the exhibit: Adrián Villar Rojas: The Theater of Disappearance exhibition is a collaboration of the decay of life and nature that is mixed with a post apocalyptic feel. It has shadows of life and it's concerns, you can see how Adrián Villar Rojas used a metaphor of how material and life is combined and in the end everything decays. My take away from what this is exhibit is trying to convey is how space and time are layered. That bits and pieces of the time are on display and it shows layers of humanity and segments in time which are compressed as if you were an alien from another dimension, visiting this planet. Similar to the animated movie Wall-E, if you were to visit a planet that life had been preserved in layers that is display to show it's humanity. Adrián Villar Rojas exhibition makes use of 14 refrigerators with still life in each one, all uniquely different. There are large rocks and petrified wood as you walk around, mix material pillars randomly placed throughout the room, seem to be layered which look like a representation of segments in time. Everything was created here in Los Angeles, with exception of the skeletons and the birds, which I was told we're not real. This is a very unique visual experience, I highly recommend this if you like to see interpretive post apocalyptic still life on display.

*Closed on Tuesdays. Free every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. Modern art has really grown on me in the past few years, especially thought-provoking mixed media pieces. I appreciate museums that you can see in one go. We were probably here for about an hour or so. The art was very diverse. A medley of media, textures, subjects. Some pieces were really compelling such as the hall of portraits/quotes by literature's finest in regard to criminality. At the end, a piece of art created by a serial killer. This installation also included a collection box to support victims of violent crime (as mandated by the artist). Definitely thought-provoking. The fee is $15 which isn't unreasonable. However, I am grateful to have had the option to go for free. Admission is free every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. The free admission coupled with the late hours were very helpful. Their usual hours are until 5pm or 6pm, FYI. Cute gift shop. Small but had a few interesting items.

Came here for the first time yesterday while attending the Tanabata Festival in Little Tokyo! It was FREE admission during the event which was a very welcomed surprise! This collection of work is timeless and thought provoking. Each piece was showcased in a way that was fully immersive. Massive paintings and sculptures felt as if they were coming alive with color and expression. The museum store was small but filled with unique items. I wish it were bigger since the space allows for more inventory. I would have liked to purchase a souvenir for my visit but nothing special stood out unfortunately. I definitely recommend coming to this museum. Be ready to spend an hour or two getting lost in the space.

The Geffen has some interesting installations and artwork. It's part of the MOCA, so I was happy to see these two museums in a day for $15 usd (includes both). I think that's very reasonable for the amount of work you get to see. It's also nice to walk across town through Little Tokyo to get the other museum. I especially appreciated the hallway of pride, where there were enlarged paintings of famous writers, philosophers, etc. with quotes written on their panels. There were some other interesting pieces of art. It was a little bit challenging to find this place on foot, but with help from a gps and locals, I was able to find it. The Moca was a little less interesting. There was not as much to see. However, it's still worth the trip.

Have I met an art gallery I didn't like? No... but MOCA exceeded my expectations. The experience I had here was "relaxing" .. that's a lot coming from me. I've been to art museums that feels like they are "rushing" you to go through everything, especially in the middle of the pandemic. This place will not make you feel that way. Thank you for making our family experience a memorable one and for sure, we will keep coming back.

I am a casual museum tourist so I wish I had done my research before visiting the Geffen Contemporary. Echoing the observations of other reviewers, the Geffen is the more experimental wing with more dark and extreme artistic themes. Adrián Villar Rojas: The Theater of Disappearance It felt like we were walking at the edge of time and everything has died and is decaying away. This sense of death, the emptiness, and desolation is showcased within 14 large refrigerators. Each fridge captures a decayed, disorganized conglomerate. There's no description or any indication of what we walked into. It was creepy, peculiar, and mysterious. I wish I had read Marcus L's review before walking in so I could have fully appreciated what this exhibit was showcasing. I had jumbled thoughts and interpretations of what I saw but his review puts together beautifully of what the Geffen exhibit conveyed (no need to plagiarize). This is not an Instagram friendly locations. The focus is on an intense, insightful glimpse of an artist's perspective of what's left after the world is over.

Hip. Chic. Sophisticated. I'm not really any of those things, but the Geffen at MOCA is. I probably should rate the museum as an "A-OK, I'll be back" 3-stars, but because I want to be trendy and contemporary, 4 stars it is. Well, that and the fact that some of the art installations and exhibits were freaking awesome and memorable. This location is the largest of all the spaces for the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art with over 50,000 square feet. As the name implies, the space is filled with a wild menagerie of modern and experimental art ... and most of the exhibits are large-scale multimedia, sculptural, conceptual, or electronic installations. Think big and beautiful ... and weird ... and mesmerizing ... exhibits like * The large circular overhead video and sound installation in the main hall * A sound installation of water dripping called Sonic Fountain II * People sitting on the floor in a large room watching art movies on rows of huge flat screens * A simple power/light installation called Twilight of an old-school phone * And about a dozen other sensory-stimulating exhibits that I can't even describe Tips: * Closed Tuesdays & 4 major holidays * Opens other days at 11:00a * Closes at 6:00p except Sat/Sun & 5:00p * Open late until 8:00p on Thursdays * Admission is free on Thursdays after 5:00, too * Adult: $15; Children (12-): free; Seniors: $10 * Admission also gets you into the Grand Ave location * No food or drink allowed * Photography for private use is allowed * Except no flash, selfie sticks, or tripods * Parking Lot 7 nearby is $8 ($7 weekends) * There are meter spots in Little Tokyo if you are lucky/fast * If you take Metro, the museum offers BOGO admission * MOCA was founded in 1979 * This location opened in 1983 * A $5 million gift from David Geffen renamed it in 1996 If you are hip, chic, or sophisticated you will love the Geffen Contemporary Museum at MOCA a lot more than I did ... or the museum just might make you more sophisticated, chic, and hip. Either way, join the cool kids.

Two words. Free Thursdays (Every Thursdays 5pm-8pm) Take the opportunity to go when they have their free days! As far as I know, the Japanese Heritage museum will also be free at this time, so head there if it's open! It's extremely close to the Little Tokyo Gold Line of the metro, so if you don't want to drive in the chaos of LA, I'd recommend taking the metro or Uber if you plan on going hard at the late open bars in Little Tokyo or the Arts District. You can also grab a bite to eat in the heart of Little Tokyo as well as go shopping at the multiple plazas or in the Jungle stores! Out of all the MOCAs I highly recommend this one as all its shows has always left me in wonderment! They experiment in this space and it's a pretty big one at that. They've recently remade the space, so the bookstore has its own door and there are cushioned seats the lounge area outside so it has a more modern look. Plus they always have one of favorite events of the year: the LA annual art book fair! If you like zines or independent published books, this is a great place to start. Stop by for a fun date night, eat dinner, and walk around the area and grab a drink- there's plenty to do around the area, and MOCA contemporary should definitely be a stop...! Make sure you come by when they have their amazing LA Annual Book Fair!!

I love the Geffen, and am a long time patron. I don't frequent as often as I probably should, but when I go, I'm always tell myself go more often. There's always something interesting and provocative to experience. They take chances and chances are you've never seen the type of art you are about to see. You will question your point of view and definitions of what art is and can be. What do I think remains after civilization? The current exhibit, Theater of Disappearance, displays what Adrian Villar Rojas thinks will remain in the aftermath -- sneakers, prosthetic limbs, bones, prime rib, feathers. It's intentionally dark inside, so watch where you walk and feel free to use your smart phone light to navigate and see. Parking can be a little tough so suggest plan a lunch around Little Tokyo and make a day of it. You deserve to experience new adventures inside and outside of a museum.

The Geffen Contemporary MOCA seems to be the more experimental wing of the MOCA collective. This medium sized venue is located in former warehouse space on the edge of Little Tokyo. Same day admission to the main MOCA allows free access to the Geffen. Pay parking is available nearby, and they are on Metro light rail for easier access. On my visit, the exhibit was a rather odd display from Adrián Villar Rojas. The very dark exhibit had a few glass refrigerated cases with found objects including raw fish and meat. There were many vertical pillars and uneven flooring which is somewhat dangerous in dim lighting. The exhibit was somewhat interesting, but the potential hazards were tough to overlook. I am a big fan of the arts and experimental art too. This venue is rather small and may not be enough for a full admission. However, included with admission to the other MOCA is a great value. It is somewhat difficult to get here from DTLA, but fans of the more extreme art will appreciate the journey.

What a lovely museum in the heart of little Tokyo! Ive always had a good time here, and their new exhibit is definitely mind blowing! I don't think you're allowed to bring in bags, so i would keep that in mind. Im also pretty sure they do a security check and everything. BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE ONLINE!!!

I am all for art, but this place was a complete waste of my time and money. To start off, There are three MOCA location and this is by far the WORST one. It is the smallest locating Little Tokyo in a old fire station. I literally paid 8 dollars for parking and 7 dollars admission to see a giant american flag. Thats it, thats all you're going to see if you go right now. I know they change exhibit but honest even if they have some great one I still wouldn't come back here just because I don't live in LA and parking in LA can be time consuming and costly. I spend less than 10 minutes in there, that is how small this place is. The only good thing that came out of this was the fact that you pay one admission free for one MOCA location and you get go to the other two for free that same day if you choose.

Been wanting to check out MOCA and I finally did! I was lucky that I came on the day which admission is free without knowing. I love to visit museums but I wasn't impressed with MOCA, prefer LACMA much better. Tips: ~ Free admission every Thursday ~ Not worth paying for admission to get in as exhibit area for both location is pretty small.

I have much love bundled in my heart for street art and graffiti. This is for two main reasons. One being that my main focus within my public relations and marketing career background is nontraditional street marketing. Street art, tags, and street logos are the artists' brands. This branding can be related to marketing (even though they are trying to be the antithesis of advertising) and street marketing is based on street art. The second reason is because my boyfriend spent much of his teen years in a crew and still creates amazing graffiti pieces which have been featured in popular movies and TV shows. He is an amzing artist and I support his world. Although street art exhibits have been becoming more abundant, this is the first of its kind to gather popular worldwide street artists and allow them to display their talents in one place. Much credit must be given to the MOCA and Geffen for even attempting to take part in such an endeavor. Not to mention, they did it effortlessly, with flair, and basically: completely kicked butt. The Geffen's warehouse-like facilities were transformed inside and out with works from well-known artists such as Banksy, Swoon, and my favorite Os Gemeos (actually two artists since they are twins). You are immediately welcomed into the street art world before even entering the doors with covered buses, building sides, etc. Once inside, the vibe is comparable to a street art expo or tradeshow. You can view actual spray painted pieces, signs, 3-D art, etc. Transition from one artist to the next is smooth with certain categories placed together but yet enough attention-grabbing sections which push you forward to walk to the next area. All I'm trying to say here is that this entire installation is smooth and pieced together with the essence and skill of an event planner, production designer, and architect. None of it is just thrown together and planning is impeccable. Another success point for MOCA and Geffen is that this installation is a great way to get young people interested in art. Art in the Streets has been visited by simple art lovers, graffiti artists themselves, street-wise kids, hipsters, and their parents too. Various age groups and walks of life can be seen at Art in the Streets versus some museum exhibits which only attract a certain target. I also have to point out that my boyfriend's teen-yeared crew has some photos in the LA section. But that is just me bragging. For recession-effected residents: The Geffen (like the MOCA) is free Thursdays from 5-8pm. How could you NOT visit when it is FREE?! The Geffen should be applauded for the overall street art concept, the smooth planning and execution, and for welcoming both art lovers and gangstas. Job well done.

Contemporary art museum at its finest. Great galleries and exhibits. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Admission price is affordable. I highly recommend you visit Geffen.

Let me just start out by saying.. I love The Geffen. Every exhibit that I have had the pleasure of viewing here has been over the top(in a good way). Art In the Streets killed it. I can't wait to go again. I love the fact that this is even a great place to take children with you. I saw quite a few other parents with their children sharing art... Warms my heart. Also, neckface was at his showroom painting and downing some vodka which was quite exciting lol. Every artist brought something different to the table but all meshed so well with each other. Also, you must check out the gift shop. They have a ton of cool books. A little overpriced but I feel worth it.

Back in high school, it was called "getting up there" and showing off your "pieces". It's amazing years after that "now art" was considered a nuisance. Graffiti pieces were abundant along the 5 and 10 freeways. Every day, there was a new piece in some random spot. Unfortunately, graffiti went violent with tag bangers and the subculture died off a bit. Art in the Streets and even more influenced by the documentry, Exit Through A Flower Shop, brings light to a subculture previously not know by the masses and appreciation of art not taught in school but art from natural talent. Years ago in class, friends specialized in tag lettering, pieces, and sci-fi art doodled in class passing around their art so that each one who specialized would finalize a piece. Friends who went out at night to "promote" their artwork left their pieces behind for years. Unfortunately, getting caught wasn't fun and let to trouble. Having work for heavy civil contractors, I've actually had to work on rehabilitating bridges and had murals graffiti by friends removed. Unfortunate, but I did send photos to my friends who appreciated the act. Good to see talent appreciated years after.

Love this museum! It's not the biggest but enough to spend a good hour here. I been to several different exhibits here and it has never disappointed. I recently went to the Doug Aitken exhibit which is on view till Jan 15,2017. Absolutely loved the Sonic Fountain installation! Pics don't do it's justice. Doug Aitken's installations are visually appealing and overcome you in a way I can't explain. Check it out for yourself and if you don't want to pay, come on a Thursday from 5pm-8pm for free admission. If not, it's $12 for adult and $6 for student( bring your ID's). Also ladies don't bring huge over sized purses, they might make you check in your bag. There was a sign that said oversized purses weren't allowed and would need to be checked in. MOCA Geffen is located in little Tokyo so you can grub on some good food after. Parking is tough but there's plenty of parking lots to park at or if you're lucky, street parking.

First time here, on a memorial day weekend Sunday afternoon, lots of people in line for Art in the streets exhibit, this is where we get to know the development of graffiti and street art on key cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and Sao Paulo. I 'v never really paid any attention on street arts, so I was very curious about this exhibit, and bf 's work sponsors this month, so we got in for free. :) This museum is actually bigger than it looks, many art works, videos and displays. Graffiti and street art from 1970's to today, some displays are really getto and gansta, but very interesting. I am glad photo taking is allowed without flash, I just had to take photos of my favorite arts and displays. :) and the film studio was so much fun ! Great exhibit, very interesting and educational, I wanna go back soon. :)

Came here for the first time to see the Art in the Streets exhibit. And that visit was courtesy of Banksy... from June 13th until the end of the exhibit Mondays are free at this location because Banksy doesn't believe one should have to pay to see graffiti. Much to my surprise the place wasn't way too crowded. Could've been a bit cooler (temperature wise), but no biggie. It was a hot day. They managed to pack in a large amount of work in the place from floor to ceiling. Not only are you looking at paint on walls, but you're looking at some pretty dang good installations. They also had a timeline on the history of graffiti. Oh, and women, be sure to take a gander inside the girl's restroom.

I've passed by MOCA countless times but sadly have never been to one of it's exhibition, until this past Saturday! It was the Transmission LA: AV Club, curated by Mike D from the Beastie Boys and it was a good time! The entire building was enormous but in a good way I also think having the entire place white, helped that. It was a good turn out for an opening and walking through the different sections of the exhibition was manageable. There was a little lounge and coffee bar when you walk down the stairs which was really nice to just relax, listen to great music and catch up with a friend. There was a few foods trucks and center island with chairs and tables outside. There was a live band playing, aside from a DJ. Overall this place was great for my first time and I will visit again! Con: Wine was over priced for something so small. Pros: Little Tokyo is but a couple feet away. Parking isn't impossible to find. Admission was free for Transmission LA: AV Club Exhibition

This place always delivers! New installation by Pipilotti Rist 'Big Heartedness, Be My Neighbor' is amazing!

It's a little shaky to give a review given exhibits change and this is only my second time in many years, but I love The Geffen. I just experienced Electric Earth and have to say it was really quite phenomenal. And yes, I say experienced rather than visit, because this is not just a museum you walk through. First off, ride the Metro, bring your TAP card and get two for one pricing. As for the exhibit, Doug Aitken's installations are unlike anything I've ever seen in a museum or art gallery. I never really understand or even think I've come close to understanding any artist's intention - and this was no exception - but that did not deter me from thoroughly enjoying the odd spectacles of videos, sounds, lights and a lot of mirrors. There are many videos to sit and watch throughout the Geffen and I encourage visitors to take the little bit of time to watch them - watch the other people who are watching them. Each other is in different than the others and each stand out on their own as interesting pieces that will probably leave you contemplating something. Again, who knows what that might be, but I think it is ultimately a rewarding collection of work. All in all, the Geffen is a great venue and I suggest making a day of the museum and take advantage of the museum parking and walk to Baldoria for cocktails or Pie Hole for well, pie - you'll love every bit of it.

I love this place. A lot. As an artist who graduated under a school that emphasized the conceptual more than the practical, this place is incredibly eclectic in it's selection of exhibits and themes. I took my sister and her friend to see the Murakami exhibit a few years back, and they had a wonderful time. They were 11th graders then and they were genuinely interested in the art and enjoyed it. I never thought I'd get high schoolers to ever enjoy an art exhibit so this was refreshing. I've also been to MOCA when they had other exhibits. I remember once they had an art installation that was a room completely darkened, except for this large neon blue square in the middle of a wall. It illuminated so intensely, it felt like the world was being ripped apart, throbbing with the square's grandiose. It was completely overwhelming. Another time they had a huge installation that paid tribute to Poe's "House Of Usher", except imagine it occurred in a cramped apartment building in Brooklyn. It was eerily quiet and haunting. I'll be the first to admit that they have some uninteresting exhibits from time to time. It as though they give up riskier art in place of more family friendly exhibits to boost revenue. I can't really blame them on wanting funds, but when they have the more conceptual and surreal exhibits, that's when they shine. This place is located right at the edge of Little Tokyo, within walking distances of places like Mr. Ramen, Daikokuya, and Imagawayaki. Also, it's only a few blocks from Chinatown, Union Station, and of course, the original home of the French dip, Philippe's. If you're in the mood to spend a day in Los Angeles, this museum is a great place to start . Trust me, the day will only get better from there.

The Art in the Street Exhibit was awesome, just like everyone said! Of course, Banksy stood out. The Rodney King pinata piece was stellar as well as the Stained Window he did with the City of Angels students. I didn't get the whole gas mask, golf thing, but it is all good - modern art is like that at times. The people were all so polite (and hip) - everyone seemed to be enjoying their time here. HELL YEAH - anything that gets people to museums on a weekend is A+ in my opinion. Not to bash LACMA, but MOCA on Grand had so much more personality and life! MOCA: Street Art! Cheap tix, freedom to roam around and take photos and an array of thing to see, watch, discuss. I walked out excited!!! LACMA: Tim Burton! Timed tickets, a wait outside, a wait inside. Some small rooms, a larger room. A gift shop. The End. I walked out annoyed.