Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

Art museum · Downtown ·

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

Art museum · Downtown ·

Rotating exhibitions of local, national, and international artists

Information

20 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Get directions

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"Functioning like three museums in one, MOCA offers cutting-edge temporary exhibitions and one of the country's greatest contemporary art collections (about 6,000 pieces) with works by Agnes Martin, Nam June Paik, Jackson Pollock, and Mike Kelley; admission is free, and under director Johanna Burton the museum has mounted recent blockbuster shows that keep the galleries lively." - Maxwell Williams

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-los-angeles

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

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Downtown’s contemporary-art anchor keeps admission free with rotating exhibitions that spotlight Utah voices alongside national names. Visit Utah calls it the spine of the city’s art scene, and local critics at 15 Bytes regularly highlight its boundary-pushing shows.

https://www.visitutah.com/articles/utahs-contemporary-artscapes

Free Attractions in Salt Lake City (2025)

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Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

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Downtown’s non-collecting contemporary museum champions brave new work and community access (suggested-donation admission). Supported by national funders like the Warhol Foundation and VIA Art Fund, UMOCA hosts ambitious exhibitions and artist residencies that local critics regularly spotlight.

https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/utah-museums-directory/listing/utah-museum-of-contemporary-art/

Best Attractions in Salt Lake City (2025)

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Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

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Downtown’s non-collecting contemporary museum spotlights regional and global artists with timely, socially engaged shows. Recognized by state and national arts groups, it’s free with a suggested donation and easy to pair with nearby venues.

https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/utah-museums-directory/listing/utah-museum-of-contemporary-art/

Best Things to See in Salt Lake City (2025)

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Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

@nomadicmatt

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Salt Lake City Is Cooler Than You Think

"Also located downtown, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art was part of a surprising concentration of galleries and museums — though during my visit many art spaces were on limited hours because of COVID, the scene still felt vibrantly active." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/salt-lake-city/

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

John L.

Google

It’s nice little art museum. Not a lot of art to see though they have the space to fill it. I’d recommend adding more pieces as you can finis the whole place in like 10 min

Michael H.

Google

4 galleries when I was visiting. All excellent representations of contemporary artists. Most of them little known. I was impressed. Not the best display modes. Worthwhile.

Ian H.

Google

First of all, the art in here isn’t great. I’m no artist but I think I can tell when something was made with skill vs something made like a chill project that got rejected. I know it’s all perspective and point of view but if you’re gonna call yourself a “Museum” and put up what you have then I think you need to rename the place. Honestly it’s small for one, two is the art here is such a reach. To connect 2 dots in the descriptions of the art, you need to really need to reach for it. Doesn’t make sense. The lady up front was kinda nice. The place is actually quite boring and empty. The shop has cool stuff but is quite expensive. Sort of a let down but worth checking out if you want to be flabbergasted on what some people call art.

Mg 0

Google

I mean, the art itself was fine. Some of it was actually art; most of it was attempts at socio-political statements. The creations were skilfully made, but art is a different thing. Staff are kind and the facility itself is inviting. Pay what you wish on Friday evenings.

Miles F.

Google

A lot of the art was pretty underwhelming or unsettling. Some of them were rather uncomfortable to view. A lot of the other photos seem to have better exhibits, when I went it was not very exciting.

Liesel B.

Google

Free, donation based museum. (Plz donate, let’s keep art free and accessible to all!!) staff is super friendly and they have rotating exhibits that change a couple times a year. I’ve been going here for years and have seen some of the coolest pieces. They also feature a lot of art from locals in their gift shop.

Sandy C.

Google

What a cool art museum! It's not very big, but it doesn't have to be because it packs a punch! I loved all the exhibits -- very cultural and very creative. There were also three videos showing on the lower level, which were so original and interesting. The whole museum is a great way to spend an hour or so. Take your time though and don't rush through it. Emerse yourself in the art Utah wants to share with you!

Jason K.

Google

Tricky review here because I liked this place and went in very excited. The women at the entrance were extremely nice and helpful. They suggested a $10 donation….I love and support the arts and was happy to donate $30 for the three of us. There were a lot of pieces that I really enjoyed….the problem is that it was almost like they were between exhibits or something. There was a lot of blank space in the museum. One room toward the back that was quite big had 4-5 small canvas pieces. It didn’t seem right. So much extra space. Worth a visit. Donate because you care about art.

Andrea U.

Yelp

We were here the night of their annual art auction and then gala, so we did not have access. I was interested in the Museum because I understand it sits on the ancestral homelands of the Goshute, Shoshone, Paiute & Ute peoples. They recognize and honor the works of indigenous people here..

Jenni T.

Yelp

The moment I stepped into the museum, I felt a calm and inviting energy from the front desk staff. It made such a difference for me, especially when my intentions are to come with an open mind and relaxed energy. Parking can be found in the streets paid thru the app or machine. Saturday and Sunday is free, but of course, check the signs. The museum is free, but donations are welcomed. The museum has two levels. It's quite smaller than other contemporary museums I've been to, but still have a lot of great, meaningful artwork and pieces. It took me approx. an hour to really appreciate and look at all of them. The theme of the exhibit mostly focused around the use of clay, ceramic and porcelain from what I noticed. There were two separate rooms each featuring video installations as art. More information about current and/or upcoming exhibits can be found in the website. The place is clean, bright, and well laid out. There is a small gift store near the entrance behind the front desk. They sell cute items; and some seasonal items from artists. I'll be returning again when there are new exhibits/artwork.

Tamami T.

Yelp

Whenever I come to SLC, I go to Utah Museum of Fine Arts (on campus) but since they didn't have any new exhibits since my last visit, I decided to go to UMOCA instead. I wasn't expecting much due to the "Meh" yelp reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's small-ish. But it's well designed (especially downstairs) so the visitors can move through exhibits as it's meant to be. The space is of course clean, modern and beautiful. The current exhibit "In Memory" is excellently curated. It was provocative. Contemporary arts can be a bit... odd and garish. There was some of those, but all in all it's fresh, interesting and memorable. I'd recommend.

Michelle M.

Yelp

A rather underwhelming museum experience, though I did find the staff very friendly and I thought it was great they have all gender restrooms available (single stalls, I believe, were available on the lower level). The exhibits here weren't "bad" but I spent about 30 minutes here and then decided to leave. I accessed UMOCA by way of the city's Connect Pass. I love museums, but this one left me feeling very "meh."

Nycole R.

Yelp

When I hear the phrase "contemporary art" I imagine strange sculptures that are open to interpretation and varying levels of appreciation-think "Beetlejuice." Remember those weird sculptures from the movie? I think I only saw one sculpture on my recent visit-most everything else was painting, photography or other types of art that you hang on a wall. The first exhibit was all about the LGBT community-from folks who were telling their story. Each item has a correlating number on the wall and there's a paper booklet that tells you more about the pieces. similar setup in the next room. Downstairs, the theme was "water", or more specifically, "The Great Salt Lake." There were haunting photographs from the lake many years ago, there were depictions of how we rely on the lake and there was a neat collection of photographs of stores that have "water" in their name. That kind of spoke to me. This museum is technically free, but they do ask for a $10 donation for admission. If you're in the downtown area, it's worth paying the few bucks and checking it out.

Nick F.

Yelp

Despite its small size, the exhibits of the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art are surprisingly interesting. Student artwork was on display in one section, which seemed like a fantastic way to promote and support regional art initiatives. A few works incorporate other senses, such as music, in addition to sights, which enhanced the experience. A $10 donation is suggested, but a ticket is not needed to enter. It's well worth a visit if you appreciate modern and contemporary art. However, families with extremely small children shouldn't actually consider it.

James R.

Yelp

An important voice in the Utah Cultural community offering a rich tapestry of different perspectives, infuse of the aesthetics in Arts in Utah.

J R.

Yelp

Cute small contemporary art museum in downtown Salt Lake - took me a bit to find it. Hint - it's between Nodstrom's and the Symphony Hall. Really liked the exhibit called "memory".

Vida A.

Yelp

Amazing museum that is in between the convention center and symphony hall. I mean if you blink, you will miss it as I have since it's opened. Oops. Located right across from city creek Nordstroms and I believe that's the best place to park. Unless you can find street parking which is very few. Any way you look at it, your going to be walking a lot so wear comfy but stylish shoes, it's a museum for heavens sake. Inside is beautiful with beautiful displays of art. I went for an event and it was fantastic. It's two levels and super spacious. Great for events as their was a dj and catered food. Plenty of art to look at and actually feel your in a big city. Open bar helped but I really loved this space. Great date idea. Go on the website for times open and price oh and events. Fun!

Vickie B.

Yelp

This is on my list for next time. Discovered it reading through tourist information and made plans to visit. Price is right-free. But it is closed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, and we leave Wednesday.

Bruce K.

Yelp

Free for entry today (donations requested), so how could I skip this interesting contemporary art museum. As with many "contemporary" exhibits, some of them went way past my comprehension and some did not. One exhibit is the artists having fired clay pigeons at a wall. Usually, one would shoot at them with a shotgun but not here. The bits of exploded clay are scattered and the dents/marks in the wall are here. Nope, I don't get it. Another exhibit is "georhythmic drift music" of the recordings from aerial drones listening for Very Low Frequency sounds in the airwaves. Nope, I don't get it. One I did enjoy was the "Impossible Bouquets" by Nancy Rivera. Dutch still-life painter Jan van Huysum depicted flowers that could not possibly have existed in reality because they came from varying climes and opposing times of the year. Rivera took four reproductions of van Huysum's paintings and recreated them with arrangements of artificial flowers and fruits. Interesting.

Frank B.

Yelp

A treasure; truly captivating. Each step down the staircase was closer to the nectar of the exhibit. "Bad Indian" amongst the many exhibits were worth your contribution. I grabbed a artist print on the way out to commemorate the experience.

Jason B.

Yelp

Nice open exhibition with a self guided tour. Current exhibition draws parallels between SLC and Muslim communities in various middle eastern countries. No cost for entry, but I did find a nice piece of local artwork to add to my collection. Exhibits rotate roughly 6 months so I'll stop in again if I'm back in the area!

Sigrid W.

Yelp

Small but quite interesting... Several different exhibits, which I believe are always changing, since nothing I have read about in previous reviews was on display. Regardless of what they feature it is well worth the visit, free, donations gladly accepted. It will only take half an hour tops and who knows what you will find. The staff is friendly and it never hurts to support the arts. I will make it a point to stop by any time I'm in Salt Lake City.

Eileen C.

Yelp

The pros - Admission is a $5 donation, it's centrally located downtown, and they have rotating exhibits which are always nice to pop in and see. I've found the staff to be friendly and the place is clean. The cons - It's a very small art museum and they have a very limited amount of art on display at any one time. Honestly, I'd recommend swinging by here if you're already in downtown Salt Lake and are an art enthusiast. However, it's not an art museum that I would go out of my way for. For example, when we are here visiting family --- we stop by just to see what new things they have on display. You can't beat the price for sure! However, if you're looking for a large art museum with a plethora of exhibits --- you won't find it here.

Jack U.

Yelp

It's a great stop if you're close! Not super huge but lots of interesting pieces when we when. The best part is... it's free! (Although donations are encouraged)

Danielle S.

Yelp

This museum is small and intimate. There were different workshops going on when we attended, and some spaces were closed off. There were not many exhibits, the ones that we did see were based on politics, religion and war. I liked that local artists were being recognized. We stopped by with a friend that was visiting SLC and this one is good if you are also going to have additional plans around the city as it won't take long to walk through.

Vanessa C.

Yelp

I thought this museum was really well put together and has different types of art work. However, I wished that this museum had a lot more stuff to look at which is why I old did 4 stars. The fact that it was free admission made up for it. I would recommend going here for a little date night or even if you wanted to see some local artwork.

Connor M.

Yelp

I appreciate contemporary artistic expression, but the museum didn't even try to display anything other than the overtly political messages of the furthest lefties on the spectrum. Very disappointing although the staffers were polite.

Sherese W.

Yelp

I'm not sure what was even going on in this place. You think by the name it was something worth seeing and experiencing, I didn't even take pictures because of the lack of quality in this experience we left immediately it's kinda odd that they displayed any of what they had as art?

Didi R.

Yelp

Since SLC is a major city one would expect a slightly larger contemporary art collection. The welcome I received was less than enthusiastic but I'll give the guy a break (he might be an exhausted student or something). It was pleasant to see local artist work along with other ceatured artists. Initially, I was breezing past works but the lower level exhibits caught my attention. I was entranced by the works (some more subtle than others). The building has potential. I hope to come back in the future.

Mylan D.

Yelp

Looks like the place was doing some restructuring of the museum do I didn't get to experience everything. I did see this piece and thought it was pretty awesome to see a crater of s volcano in different angles and colors. I will need to come back and check out the other rooms once they are done remodeling.

Brooke S.

Yelp

I tend to gravitate towards museums when I'm in new and strange towns. So far in Utah I've visited this museum and the Leonardo. I thought this museum was much better than the Leonardo for a few reasons: - It's smaller and laid out much better. The way you are moved through the space is much more fluid. The downstairs area is reserved for larger installations and artists. - It's much cheaper - it's free but they (as do I) suggest you donate $5 as an entrance fee. - Not as crowded. I was one of maybe 5 people I saw the entire time I was in there.

Charles C.

Yelp

I really enjoyed that rotations are constantly changing. The layout is also great for film exhibits which is something unique for a visual art museum. The space was large enough as well for groups too. Suggested donation is always a plus as well to get people into museums. I think there is still a lot of potential but I enjoyed it for what it is.

Tess C.

Yelp

Yeah it was a small museum and I was excited for the ultra super exhibition from posters outside but it wasnt that awe inspiring or particularly showing talent. It was a cute place though and it was free so i like that alot and the receptionist was very nice.

J. Christopher E.

Yelp

Only $5, so if you like modern art worth a stop. I saw several interesting pieces, including a video installation by Brain Charles Patterson I very much liked. Very compelling and a little scary, but I couldn't turn away and came back to this video piece several times. If in town I would stop by again so see the current exhibits.

Korey K.

Yelp

I noticed the Salt Lake Art Center when exploring downtown Salt Lake City when I first moved to the city. It took me a few months, but I finally got a chance to explore the exhibits one cool Friday afternoon. The exhibits are free and rotate, featuring a lot of local artists or regional landscape inspired work. I arrived the day of the opening of a new downstairs exhibit, which easily doubles the amount of display space. There is also a video room in the back feature art in the form of multimedia. There was a very peculiar video playing on my visit that I frankly didn't understand, but it's a nice touch, nonetheless. Be sure to stop and check the small gift section as you leave (or enter), as there are some very creative pieces for sale, ranging from small prints to jewelry made with polish bicycle parts. A great way to spend an hour escaping the chilly temperatures outside, especially since it's free!

Andi B.

Yelp

We visited here today. The location/space is open and wonderful. I really enjoyed that aspect. The woman who got us all set up was really nice and answered any questions that we had. I'm thinking as to why I just really can't give it 5 stars and it's because I wasn't totally enamored or impressed by the art. I love art and visit art museums regularly, I just wasn't very impressed with the selection here. But I would come back next time they have something else on view and give it another chance, definitely. There are some pieces that I did like, just wasn't crazy about the majority of the exhibits.

Landis T.

Yelp

Really contemporary. I was just looking to kill some time, figured it would be modern paintings and thinks but it was contemporary sculpture and obscure stuff. It was pretty small and didn't take long to go through.

Katie C.

Yelp

It's small but surprisingly good. I don't know the Utah well but I think this is a rare gem in the downtown Utah where the artists freely express themselves. I did not agree with some of the works but I was still curious to find out the meaning of the work. I wish I could meet the artists and ask them their intentions/thoughts behind their works. Visiting this place gave me a fresh perspective to Utah when I didn't feel so comfortable about the temples - they are very impressive though.

Paul H.

Yelp

Free admission!! Pretty awesome if you love arts. The museum is very spacious with a blend of modern painting and sculptures. Staff are very friendly and helpful. I would recommend donate some money to help out.

Vivian H.

Yelp

Really nice museum with interesting exhibits. No admission fee but a $5 donation is suggested.

Jennifer R.

Yelp

The art center currently has an artist-designed putt-putt course. It's a full 18 holes, and it's free to play. Open 11-6 tues-thurs and sat, 11-9 fri, and 12-5 sun. Many of the holes were just about impossible... it was the most difficult, yet most interesting, game of putt-putt I have ever played! Definitely worth an hour of your time in SLC.

Carl H.

Yelp

Because the exhibits change frequently, the museum can be hit or miss. However, I've always found at least a couple of pieces that were interesting. Also, it's free and the staff is very friendly. So check it out and donate a few bucks if you like what you see.

P J.

Yelp

I love this place and go here quite frequently, often after lunch. Good exhibitions and its hard to complain with only a $5 suggested donation.

Same M.

Yelp

This is not. Museum it is a sad gallery. It offered very little in art. I saw more art at the airport. A big big disappointment. The receptionist was very helpful and friendly, and the place was free, but still a huge disappointment.

R.D. R.

Yelp

Like several other visual arts spaces in the area, it gets a pass because it's in Utah. Could use more rigor all around considering it positions itself as a museum. It's more like a cross between a kunsthalle and a community arts center. This would actually be really interesting if it was intentional. The re-brand implies something loftier than this space accomplishes.

b b.

Yelp

This museum was utterly underwhelming. As an 'out-of-towner', I was sorely disappointed by both the scarcity of patrons and the scarcity of art! We left this museum and headed down the road to the LDS museum, which was head and shoulders above the other!

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

The 31 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, From Santa Monica Surfing to Hollywood Theaters | Condé Nast Traveler

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Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

https://www.visitutah.com/articles/utahs-contemporary-artscapes

Free Attractions in Salt Lake City (2025)

View this post on Instagram

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/utah-museums-directory/listing/utah-museum-of-contemporary-art/

Best Attractions in Salt Lake City (2025)

View this post on Instagram

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/utah-museums-directory/listing/utah-museum-of-contemporary-art/

Best Things to See in Salt Lake City (2025)

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Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

Salt Lake City Is Cooler Than You Think

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/salt-lake-city/

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

John L.

Google

It’s nice little art museum. Not a lot of art to see though they have the space to fill it. I’d recommend adding more pieces as you can finis the whole place in like 10 min

Michael H.

Google

4 galleries when I was visiting. All excellent representations of contemporary artists. Most of them little known. I was impressed. Not the best display modes. Worthwhile.

Ian H.

Google

Mg 0

Google

Miles F.

Google

A lot of the art was pretty underwhelming or unsettling. Some of them were rather uncomfortable to view. A lot of the other photos seem to have better exhibits, when I went it was not very exciting.

Liesel B.

Google

Sandy C.

Google

Jason K.

Google

Andrea U.

Yelp

Jenni T.

Yelp

Tamami T.

Yelp

Michelle M.

Yelp

Nycole R.

Yelp

Nick F.

Yelp

James R.

Yelp

An important voice in the Utah Cultural community offering a rich tapestry of different perspectives, infuse of the aesthetics in Arts in Utah.

J R.

Yelp

Cute small contemporary art museum in downtown Salt Lake - took me a bit to find it. Hint - it's between Nodstrom's and the Symphony Hall. Really liked the exhibit called "memory".

Vida A.

Yelp

Vickie B.

Yelp

Bruce K.

Yelp

Frank B.

Yelp

Jason B.

Yelp

Sigrid W.

Yelp

Eileen C.

Yelp

Jack U.

Yelp

It's a great stop if you're close! Not super huge but lots of interesting pieces when we when. The best part is... it's free! (Although donations are encouraged)

Danielle S.

Yelp

Vanessa C.

Yelp

Connor M.

Yelp

Sherese W.

Yelp

Didi R.

Yelp

Mylan D.

Yelp

Brooke S.

Yelp

Charles C.

Yelp

Tess C.

Yelp

J. Christopher E.

Yelp

Korey K.

Yelp

Andi B.

Yelp

Landis T.

Yelp

Katie C.

Yelp

Paul H.

Yelp

Vivian H.

Yelp

Really nice museum with interesting exhibits. No admission fee but a $5 donation is suggested.

Jennifer R.

Yelp

Carl H.

Yelp

P J.

Yelp

I love this place and go here quite frequently, often after lunch. Good exhibitions and its hard to complain with only a $5 suggested donation.

Same M.

Yelp

R.D. R.

Yelp

b b.

Yelp

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art

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Salt Lake City Is Cooler Than You Think

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