Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is a dynamic, non-collecting contemporary art museum situated in Detroit's vibrant Midtown neighborhood. Established by Julia Reyes Taubman, MOCAD occupies a 22,000-square-foot former auto dealership designed by Albert Kahn. Its raw and intentionally unfinished architectural style perfectly complements its mission to present cutting-edge contemporary art and foster dialogue around cultural and social issues.

MOCAD opened on October 28, 2006, with Meditations in an Emergency, curated by Klaus Kertess and featuring artists like Kara Walker and Nari Ward. Notable exhibitions include Shrinking Cities (2007), focusing on urban population decline, Stuff (2007), showcasing Burt Aaron's collection, and Mobile Homestead by Mike Kelley in 2013, solidifying MOCAD's cultural significance.

Beyond exhibitions, MOCAD hosts a wide range of public programs, including musical performances, literary readings, film screenings, and educational activities for children. Artists and performers like Roy Ayers, Dan Deacon, Michael Yonkers, and Pink Reason, along with writers such as John Giorno and Bill Berkson, have graced its stage. These events reflect MOCAD's commitment to amplifying diverse creative voices and fostering community engagement.

Strategically located near cultural landmarks like the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and Wayne State University, MOCAD serves as a nexus for contemporary artistic exploration. Its mission emphasizes the transformative power of art, striving to nurture social change, inspire human understanding, and support innovative experimentation by artists and cultural producers from Detroit and beyond.

Through its exhibitions and programming, MOCAD creates an inclusive space where challenge, acceptance, and beauty converge, making it an essential part of Detroit’s cultural fabric.