This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
MOCA Celebrates 30 Years: Free Admission Tomorrow Through Friday
Jasper Johns (b. 1930, August, Georgia; lives and works in New York) Map, 1962, Encaustic and collage on canvas, 60 x 93 in., The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, Gift of Marcia Simon Wiseman
Jasper Johns (b. 1930, August, Georgia; lives and works in New York) Map, 1962, Encaustic and collage on canvas, 60 x 93 in., The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, Gift of Marcia Simon Wiseman
MOCA--the Museum of Contemporary Art--opened 30 years ago in Los Angeles. To celebrate the anniversary, the museum opens its largest installation tomorrow, featuring more than 500 works from more than 200 artists from its own permanent collection.
Getting to the 30-year milestone hasn't been easy for the museum, which nearly suffered a complete financial breakdown last year. According to the Los Angeles Times:
MOCA's fiscal crisis wasn't just a product of last year's global meltdown. It followed nearly a decade of chronic fundraising shortfalls, during which museum leaders steadily spent down a $38-million endowment to continue the ambitious exhibitions that helped cement its reputation for presenting perhaps the world's finest roster of shows dedicated exclusively to post- World War II art. When the worldwide economic woes hit, they left MOCA nearly tapped out.
But financial woes aside, MOCA is ready to party. Tonight's VIP anniversary gala is being headlined by Lady Gaga. And theMOCA ♥ YOU week-long event begins tomorrow with free museum admission during regular museum hours through Friday at MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, courtesy of Ovation TV.
And of course, there's the art.
The new exhibition features a comprehensive look at contemporary art history from the past 70 years, including pop art, abstract expressionism and photography. Highlighted artists and works include: Jackson Pollock’s Number 1, 1949 (1949); Willem de Kooning’s Two Women with Still Life (1952); Alberto Giacometti’s Tall Figure II and Tall Figure III (1960); Roy Lichtenstein’s Man with Folded Arms (1962); Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Six Crimee (1982) and Edward Ruscha’s Chocolate Room (1970-2004).
Sponsored message
Collection: MOCA's First Thirty Years
at MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Nov. 15, 2009-May 3, 2010
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
