What We Do
The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) is one of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA is able to embrace all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. Much of the work we show in our light-filled spaces, on our technically sophisticated stages, and within our lovely network of late 19th-century courtyards is made here during extended fabrication and rehearsal residencies that bring hundreds of the world’s most brilliant and innovative artists to North Adams all year round.
Mission
MASS MoCA is a center for creative exploration and uncommon connection that amplifies the global artistry of our time while contributing to the vitality and vibrancy of our city.
Visual Arts
MASS MoCA exhibits art by both well-known and emerging artists, focusing on large-scale, immersive installations that would be impossible to realize in conventional museums. The broad-shouldered, raw industrial character of our soaring galleries (with 250,000 square feet of open and often naturally lit space) has proven both inspiring and liberating to artists.
Performing Arts
MASS MoCA presents more than 75 performances year-round, including contemporary dance, alternative cabaret, world music dance parties, indie-rock, progressive bluegrass, outdoor silent films with live music, documentaries, and avant-garde theater. Indeed, the word “museum” in our name is misleading because fully 50% of MASS MoCA’s programmatic resources, staffing, and emotional bandwidth is devoted to the performing arts, and our commitment extends to hosting work-in-progress showings, residency workshops, and support of experimental R&D.
Public Programs
MASS MoCA’s Public Programs initiatives integrate artists, community, and expanded education by focusing on knowledge exchange, inquiry, and collaboration. The department amplifies and enhances MASS MoCA’s visual and performing arts offerings through programs in creative and cultural practices often found outside of exhibition-making and performance presentations. Programs expand our networks and learning while deepening our commitments to our communities.
The Studios at Mass MoCA
In MASS MoCA’s residency program managed by Assets For Artists, we give visiting artists from around the world the time and space for their own creative development, be it in project execution, reflection, or to simply try something new.
Our Creative Campus
It’s more than a museum here at our downtown former factory campus. Plan to pad your visit to the MASS MoCA galleries with singular shopping experiences and delicious food and drink. Make time for a break with house made ice cream or locally brewed craft beer and coffee. We are home to over 25 creative businesses. And be sure to check out more art, parks, shops, and restaurants across our campus and throughout our beloved home city of North Adams.