Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA) is one of the Southeast’s leading institutions for modern and contemporary art. A cultural resource of the University of North Florida, MOCA is housed in the historic Western Union Telegraph Building, a restored Art Deco landmark that became its permanent home in 1999.

Since its founding in 1924 as the Jacksonville Fine Arts Society, the museum has evolved from a regional gallery into a nationally recognized institution, continually expanding its collection and reach. It officially adopted its current name in 2006, following decades of transformation.

Inside, MOCA presents a dynamic array of exhibitions showcasing international, national, and regional artists. A standout feature is the Project Atrium series, which invites emerging and mid-career artists to create large-scale, site-specific installations in the Haskell Atrium Gallery-a space that challenges artists to engage directly with the museum’s architecture.

The third floor hosts rotating exhibitions that change roughly every four months, ensuring a fresh and evolving experience for repeat visitors.

MOCA’s permanent collection includes nearly 1,000 works from 1960 to the present, encompassing painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography. The collection features prominent artists such as Alexander Calder, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, and Robert Rauschenberg.

Alongside its exhibitions, the museum also offers educational programs, a theater, and Café Nola-a popular dining spot that blends art with culinary creativity.