Museum of Contemporary Art opens doors in University Circle

CLEVELAND - In an area known for its mix of historic as well as contemporary architecture, the new Museum of Contemporary Art fits snuggly in its heart. Located on  Euclid Avenue, where Mayfield Road begins its state-long route south and east, the new reflective black steel building stands as yet another testament to the resurgence of a neighborhood once nearly swallowed by neighboring blight. 

University Hospital and Case Western Reserve University development has prompted area developers to deeply invest in this now-booming area of Cleveland's east side.

A Cleveland-based organization since 1968 the Museum of Contemporary Art, a privately-funded endeavor, invested in a prime location with curb appeal to match any contemporary building in northeastern Ohio. Director of Marketing and Design for MOCA Tom Poole is happy to have the museum here with a fresh start in a fresh building.

"It's a major step for us, but also for Cleveland. It represents, besides being an iconic new building for the city, it means that Cleveland cares about new ideas and contemporary art. It's a forward-thinking city. I think it's going to mean a lot, not just for the residents of Cleveland, but also for how Cleveland's perceived outward," said Poole.

Thousands of tickets were bought up for MOCA's sold-out public opening Monday at 1 p.m. Visitors from Case Western Reserve University, University Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic and area businesses and residences flowed in to take in the stunning building design and exhibited artists.

Case students Rebecca Chen and Dennis Matthews found tickets and time away from classes.

"I love the architecture. I like that there's a lot of natural light coming in," said Chen.

"It's interesting. I think it's a very interesting. A very eclectic mix of art that I wouldn't have seen otherwise," said Matthews.

MOCA's hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. They also are open until 10 p.m. Thursdays and closed on Mondays. The first Saturday of every month MOCA offers admission for free to all galleries.

Price for regular admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students with ID. Children under 6 years of age are free. The first floor of the museum is always free, which hosts a cafe with Wi-Fi and the museum gift shop.

For more information go to: www.mocacleveland.org