MOCO first opened its doors in Amsterdam, in 2016, an independent museum with a mission to bring world-class modern and contemporary art to the public in a very central location - the historic Villa Alsberg. Then in 2021 MOCO Barcelona began, based in the 16th-Century Palacio Cervelló. After receiving more than five million visitors MOCO has come to London - home to world-renowned artists like Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst and host to stars of the art world such as Marina Abramović - and set up shop in a suitably grand location across three floors in Marble Arch.
The people at MOCO are “committed to connecting all audiences from all backgrounds to the wonders of modern art” (mocomuseum.com). A permanent exhibition on the ground floor is dedicated to MOCO Masters, a showcase of big, innovative names from the modern period. Taken together, their works chart the unique visions and the bold steps taken to change the direction of art by visionaries including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.
The basement level is dedicated to another permanent exhibition on digital and immersive art, featuring works by artists working today from as far-flung places as Argentina, Amsterdam and - a little closer to home - The Cotswolds. These works embrace new media technology and the possibilities they create to produce immersive digital experiences like the impressive mirrored Infinity Rooms (pictured), or Species by Six N. Five (or Ezequiel Pini), a short film which imposes geometrical shapes onto footage of the natural world.
MOCOs top floor is dedicated to its Contemorary Masters, renowned for their distinctive vision and daring creations which are today pushing the boundaries of art even further, challenging expectations and changing definitions. Artists like Banksy, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama are highlighted in a space that emphasises how our collective imaginations are expanding.
From September 11th MOCO will also host a temporary exhibition of Marina Abramovic’s ‘Healing Frequency‘, featuring twelve works from the legendary conceptual and performance artist who has been working for over 55 years.
Note: tickets to MOCO cost £17.90 for students and children aged 7 - 17, with children under 7 going for free (although you are still required to book a Child‘s Ticket), and visitors are advised to allow at least 90 minutes to enjoy the whole experience.
Details
- Address:
- 1-4 Marble Arch
- W2 2UH
- Contact:
- https://mocomuseum.com/info/london
- Transport:
- Marble Arch underground station