Q: What does MASS MoCA stand for?
A: Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
Q: Where is MASS MoCA? How do I get there? How can I contact you?
A: We are located at 87 Marshall Street in North Adams, Massachusetts, in the northwest corner of the state. You can find detailed driving directions here. Our mailing address is 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247. Our email address is info@massmoca.org. Our box office phone number is 413.662.2111.
Q: How do I contact MASS MoCA about making a donation to my organization?
A: As a non-profit organization that raises money from donors, MASS MoCA does not donate money to other organizations or causes. We are happy to provide gallery passes to be used for raffles, auctions, or door prizes to qualified charities, upon approval. Requests must be submitted in writing via mail, fax (413.663.8548) or email. No phone calls please.
Q: Is MASS MoCA accessible? Do you have wheelchairs?
A: MASS MoCA is wheelchair-accessible. There is one outdoor exhibit, all utopias fell, which is not fully accessible to wheelchair users. We have four wheelchairs, which are available in the lobby on a first come, first served basis. There is ample handicapped parking, and we invite all patrons to drop off visitors near the front door. (The site is very large and the distances—by some museum measures—are great.)
Q: Can I bring my pet to MASS MoCA?
A: Sorry, but pets are not permitted in the museum, or on our campus. We do not have a space where you can comfortably leave a pet outside. Following is a list of pet-sitting/kennel services in the area: Berkshire Barks Pet Sitting, 413.663.0594, info@berkshirebarks.com.; Clover Hill Farm, 413.458.3376; Havenwood Kennel, 413.662.3647; Love Us And Leave Us, 413.464.9200, luludogdaycare@gmail.com.
Q: Does MASS MoCA show work by local artists?
A: MASS MoCA has frequently included the works of regional artists in its exhibitions, including Jenny Holzer (Hoosick Falls, NY), Michael Oatman (Troy, NY), Michael Glier (Hoosick Falls, NY), Mark Taylor (Williamstown, MA), Kathy High (Troy, NY), Laylah Ali (Williamstown), Jane South (Williamstown), Gregory Crewdson (Becket, MA), Jarvis Rockwell (North Adams, MA), Mary Lum (North Adams), Peggy Diggs (Williamstown), Kim Faler (North Adams), Jason Middlebrook (Hudson, NY), Danny O (North Adams), and Barbara Takenaga (Williamstown). We do not, however, have a particular “program” designed specifically for regional artists.
Q: How can I submit my work for consideration by your curator?
A: Due to limited staffing and the high volume of submissions we receive, our curatorial department is no longer able to accept unsolicited submissions from artists.
Q: How can I submit my work for consideration by your performing arts department?
A: Our performing arts department accepts submissions of work samples on a revolving basis. We will contact you if we feel your project is appropriate for a future performing arts season. Please do not call regarding the status of your materials. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to return materials to you.
You may send your materials to:
MASS MoCA Performing Arts
ATTN: Programming
1040 MASS MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
Q: I am a student working on a project about how MASS MoCA was transformed from a factory to a museum. Can I meet with someone on your staff?
A: We have been inundated with requests for information, so we published a book called MASS MoCA: From Mill to Museum. The book is currently out of print, but there are usually used copies available on-line from major booksellers or in libraries. We have a small staff, and it is impossible to meet with all the researchers who request interviews. You should be able to find a great deal of information about MASS MoCA on this website.
Q: Does MASS MoCA ever offer free admission to its galleries?
A: As an institution with a large physical plant and a small endowment, MASS MoCA must rely on admission revenue to cover the most basic operating expenses. Occasionally we identify a corporate sponsor, but this is not a regularly scheduled event. When we do offer free admission, we promote it heavily through the local press and on the radio. There are passes available at most Berkshire County libraries—including the North Adams Public Library—which can be checked out for complimentary admission to MASS MoCA’s galleries. Groups are eligible for discounted admission. To inquire about group admission eligibility, contact Emily Ross at eross@massmoca.org or 413.664.4481 x8150.
Q: I do not have a car. Can I take public transportation to MASS MoCA?
A: You may take Amtrak (or fly) from New York City to Albany, NY, where you can rent a car (Albany is a one-hour drive from North Adams). There is one Amtrak train a day from Boston to Pittsfield, MA. While there is no car rental agency at the Pittsfield train station, you can call a cab for the 30-minute ride to North Adams. Bonanza Bus Lines (800.556.3815) services Williamstown (from both Boston and NYC), which is a 10-minute cab ride to MASS MoCA. Metro North from NYC’s Grand Central Station is connected to Wassaic, which is soon to be a Zipcar location.
The following car services offer one-way trips from the Albany airport or train station to MASS MoCA:
Norm’s Limo
Transport the People
Upstate Green Cab
Q: Who is your Director? Curator? Public Relations/Marketing Director? Development Director?
A: MASS MoCA’s staff includes Joseph Thompson (Director); Susan Cross (Senior Curator); Denise Markonish (Senior Curator + Managing Director of Exhibitions); Alexandra Foradas (Curator); Rachel Chanoff (Curator of Performing Arts); Sue Killam (Director of Performing Arts); Anthony Reid (Director of Information Technology); Laura Thompson (Director of Education + Curator of Kidspace); and Jodi Joseph (Director of Communications).
Q: Where can I stay overnight in the area?
A: We put together a list of hotels in the region. Click here.
Q: Can you recommend a restaurant?
A: You’ll find dining info here.
Q: Do you have an app?
A: Download the MASS MoCA app here to access interactive museum and city maps, guided tours, and personalized access. Available on iOS and Android.
Q: Can I take photographs in the galleries and at shows?
A: Yes. In the galleries, photography (without a flash) is permitted everywhere, except where artists restrict photography, including within the exhibition James Turrell: Into the Light. Flash photography and drone photography is prohibited in all the galleries and during all live events. Please leave your cameras with detachable lenses and tripods at home, we don’t allow these in performance venues either. If you are a professional photographer hoping to obtain a photo pass, contact marketing@massmoca.org.
Q: When does the _______ exhibition come down? (or go up?)
A: We try to post exhibition opening and closing dates on our website and to keep them updated, but if you are coming to MASS MoCA to see a particular exhibition, you should call the box office at 413.662.2111 x1 to check on the exact opening and closing dates.
Q: Does MASS MoCA host weddings and other special events?
A: Yes. Special event spaces are available to museum members at the Contemporary Circle level or higher. Availability is subject to conservation requirements and the MASS MoCA program schedule. Indoor events cannot begin until 2 hours after the museum closes. For photos and additional information, see Special Events or contact Justine Scerbo at jscerbo@massmoca.org or 413.664.4481 x8157.
