Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art putting on the final touches for its grand opening weekend

CLEVELAND - As the newest addition to Cleveland's cultural hub, the Museum of Contemporary Art -- MOCA -- is anything but square. The building itself creates a geometry all its own, rising from a hexagonal base to a top that is square, its reflective stainless steel surface mirroring life and weather in University Circle.

Inside, a soaring atrium dazzles with a colorful wall spray painted by a Berlin artist, one of more than a dozen artists from the U.S. and abroad whose work is represented in the current exhibit. MOCA is a living museum, one that will continually showcase up and coming contemporary artists, said Executive Director Jill Snyder.

"This is an opportunity to do what we do best, which is to commission new work by important artists and to demonstrate new trends in contemporary art," she said.

Ten years ago, the notion of a permanent home for MOCA was an ambitious idea. In 2006 the land was acquired at the corner of Euclid and Mayfield. The unique building was designed by Farshid Moussavi of London. The team also includes architects Westlake Reed Leskosky in Cleveland.

Opening day is almost here and workers will be busy until the last minute. Said Snyder, "I'm so proud. It has been a long journey. We're tired, but excited."  With a sold-out, opening gala on Saturday, October 6, MOCA will officially take its place among the great institutions of University Circle. "There's no question we've come into the cultural heart of Cleveland. And what's so gratifying for us is not only the local and regional attention, but the spotlight is being shown on MOCA all around the world. We're getting national and international attention for this great building," said Snyder.

Next Monday afternoon, MOCA will be open free to the public. After that, general admission will be $8 with reduced rates for seniors and students. For more information on the museum, hours and tickets, click here: http://www.mocacleveland.org