user
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Appearance

Comments
Sa
Review №1

Museum staff was friendly, and I enjoyed the exhibitions that are currently in the museum. There were 3 exhibits that took my group about an hour to walk through.

Ja
Review №2

Well worth a visit. Great space, somehow both small & large. Free to enter (donations accepted/encouraged) and free parking.

Er
Review №3

Love the space. Love the atmosphere. Good location. Last night was the most crowded show we’ve been to here. Almost felt like too many tickets were sold? Appreciate the water dispenser up at the bar but it was really hard to get to it through the crowd. Sad that no coffee was available this time. (Yeah, we are old.) Overall a good experience but not sure why we had to wait in line for so long after the start time of 8pm to get inside, though... The older I get the more I wish shows would start on time.

王心
Review №4

It was a cool place mix indoor and outdoor displays.And it’s up to donations,I recommend this place for hanging out.

Dy
Review №5

Great museum. Its free and theres even a coffee shop, so you can enjoy a cup after seeing some authentic modern art. It a very wide open setting with no walls and plenty of room to enjoy yourself. There wasnt a lot of people when I went, but you could tell that many have been here. It isnt huge, but there is a nice variety.

Ga
Review №6

Had a great time. Went to see the Terracotta Warriors, and saw some other displays.Ragnar Kjartansson was a great experience. A group of people in an old home in NY, various different rooms all start playing a song. You see each of the musicians playing on different screens around the room.

st
Review №7

Place is amazing to go too, cant wait to be able to visit again. always find something new to look at. if you never been its a must go

St
Review №8

I was very impressed with their expressions of commitment to artists and equality.

Da
Review №9

Very cool gallery with some great modern artists.

Sc
Review №10

We really enjoyed walking through the space during Noel Night. Staff was friendly, exhibits interesting, and there was plenty of space to maneuver even on a very crowded night as when we went. The steel drum band was fun and entertaining. Would happily return again.

pt
Review №11

Wonderful museum. Turned out to be the perfect venue for a wedding and reception. These photos were take by MeandHim Photography.

Ju
Review №12

Pretty small. Collection not all that... but maybe I went at a bad time.

Lo
Review №13

They need to find bigger space and exhibit more.

Am
Review №14

It’s a great place to visit in downtown Detroit. Great art and dope music venue.

Jo
Review №15

Great museum. They also host great music shows.

De
Review №16

Extraordinary space, thought provoking special events, and wonderful Kenny Irwin installation currently. Loved the Tom of Finland exhibit at the Mike Kelly mobile homestead.Just go.

Ju
Review №17

This place does a great job of curating interesting installations! I highly recommend a visit here if youre ever in the area!

Di
Review №18

Cool place for obviously contemporary art. More importantly shows futuristic visions for Detroit with mini models amd videos . Also has a cafe for getting work done, cup of coffee or drinks.

Ja
Review №19

Great exhibit. Friendly dude guy man at the counter. Definitely a touch of artfulness for this uncultured swine.

Gi
Review №20

So spacious, served alcohol, very kind crowd. Service workers were nice and quick to get us in. A bit stuffy even when the garage door style wall was open to let air in. We didnt care, Bill Callahan was worth it. Museum itself was closed since the show occurred on a Monday. Would love to go back to see the exhibits.

M.
Review №21

Couldnt get into parking lot. Parking machine charged our credit card at least 2 times; yet, the arm never raised. We parked on the and couldnt find the entrance. What we did it was closed for a private showing.

Jo
Review №22

Went for the first time and had a blast. It was great to learn about the history of the building. The Art was mostly local but awesome to see! Cafe is also fantastic. I am currently considering it for a wedding venue just because it’s so trendy and different.

Da
Review №23

We had a blast!

Sh
Review №24

It was a nice gallery. It was a date night and she enjoyed herself. Definitely have to come back again when its not raining for the Robo lights gallery outside. Quite muddy.

Ch
Review №25

Came to Detroit this weekend from NC. Planned museum day for Sunday. Drove an hour in from where I’m staying to find a poster on the door closed for private event with lights off and no one inside. Disappointing.

Tr
Review №26

Such a nice, open, and interesting place to visit. And entry is commission based, so there really isnt an excuse to not stop by.The at had a lot of variety and despite the venue being small, I feel I could have spent hours there. And theres a bar too, so thats cool

Ny
Review №27

Attended a beautiful wedding here... the exhibits were very nice

Cl
Review №28

Most of the art is interesting to say the least, the christmas piece during the day was kinda cool to see but ultimately definitely a little strange... didnt see during night but heard it is better than during the dat.

Da
Review №29

Mocad has thoughtfully curated shows from artists of regional, national and international significance. They also have great programming showcasing contemporary music, writing, poetry, film and other art genres. The cafe is roomy and a great place to relax for a while.

St
Review №30

Very cool, very cool, very cool. Attended a piece of performance art at this museum, followed by jazz quintet and a bit of a soiree, very excellent setting. It feels like a rare privilege to explore the MOCAD, love the scale of the art and installations!!

Ro
Review №31

Fun, accessible and engaging centre for contemporary art in Detroit. The gallery has a nice cafe and patio and space in the back for shows. Fun and interesting events and exhibitions. Stopped by for KAWS and Eddie Martinez exhibitions.

Jo
Review №32

Love this place. The space is great. Saw Bill Callahan (Smog) here. Great space for a concert. Very intimate setting...

Ja
Review №33

Super chill, friendly staff, beautiful art. Enjoyed the robolights Detroit, a must see.

Jc
Review №34

The museum is okay. The art collection is few.

pr
Review №35

Entry is donation based. No compulsions and you can enter free. Brilliant display of work from contemporary artists. Some might like some might not, cos the work and the artists keep changing.They have a cafeteria inside if u need to grab a drink.

ja
Review №36

Great new robolights outdoor exhibit on a sunny brisk day. Like a trip to the landfill.

Ja
Review №37

Do not waste your time! None of the galleries are open and havent been for quite some time. Only the gift store and cafe are open. This should be stated on their website.

Ru
Review №38

Cool space, but I went during an event so I would have to go on a regular night

Ma
Review №39

We visited during the DELECTRICTY event. I just moved back at the time and was completely blown away by this new gem. SO glad there is a place like this in our city. They are doing great things and are really on the edge of what is happening in the art world. Also have a full bar AND you can get food.

Am
Review №40

Had a work party here and it was a very nice experience.

Da
Review №41

VERY contemporary. Christmas exhibit is not for little ones.

Ni
Review №42

Awesome place with friendly people!! Must go check them out.

Ti
Review №43

Cool art gallery and music venue. A nice gem in Detroit.

Ra
Review №44

This is where people go to admire the galleries that seem realistic and contemporary related.

se
Review №45

Check this place out! We came in from Cleveland for a day trip and had a wonderful time looking around MOCAD and DIA. The neighborhood is pretty cool and easy to navigate with a lot of restaurants and at least one coffee joint to my knowledge. Its really inspiring to see Detroit and Cleveland rally our communities behind the arts.

Ha
Review №46

Went for a show, it was great!

Be
Review №47

One of my favourite art galleries in the world. Great rolling local and international exhibits, which is particularly important in telling the story of Detroit through locals’ eyes. Can see why the community fought to save the collection. Beautiful building and cafe, great to work in. Memorably friendly staff.

Ja
Review №48

Very interesting collection of contemporary art set in a warehouse location. Includes a small cafe & gift shop. Also hold art classes for kids on weekends / holidays.

Ca
Review №49

The staff did an awesome job explaining the artists exhibits. Great flow to the museum. Highly recommend!

Ka
Review №50

Cool experience that draws you in. This museum isnt huge but it packs a punch. Theres many different pieces on display including a room to feature artists. The vibe was cool, the employees helpful, and the art was thought provoking. Theres also a full bar for some drinks after to discuss your favorite art piece. Good place to take out of towners. Dont forget to visit the exhibit they feature in the mobile home next to the building. Ive never gone because I always forget its there but Ive heard its just as awesome.

Na
Review №51

My favourite Detroit Museum, always interesting shows of contemporary art

jp
Review №52

Leto was a space cowboy, but he was not a gangster of love. Either way, he let me borrow his pen, and I returned it to him when I was done. I hope he was impressed by my work ethic and penmanship

Se
Review №53

Friendly staff, interesting art,what else could you ask for?

An
Review №54

Really nice use of this space. The current exhibit on the Heidelberg Project was exceptionally well done. Admission is donation based, but be generous and keep independent art alive in Detroit!

Ri
Review №55

The best If your looking for something to do on the cheap.

St
Review №56

The art didnt resonate with us as much as I hoped. Its a neat space and the people were great. The donations are for a great mission.

H
Review №57

Sorry, but I dont get it but nice people with good customer service!

Al
Review №58

I went here for the First time yesterday (10/22/17) with my boyfriend, friend, and my Service dog. The lady inside the main building was very kind asked the questions she was allowed and let me go upon my day. However, when we went out to the mobile home exhibit the guy there was giving me a hard time.My dog is clearly marked with Service Dog In 6 different locations across his vest and instructions on what to do should I collapse. The man told me that I was not allowed in there with my dog. I politely told him that my dog is a service dog and he told me that he wasnt sure of their service dog policy or if they were even allowed in there. I explained to him about the Americans with Disabilities Act. He scuffed and walked away. I spent the rest of my visit feeling very unwanted at the location and left quickly.I advise, if you need a service dog or assistance animal of any kind to not go here or at least dont go to the mobile home exhibit. I personally do not feel comfortable returning to this location and will not be returning.Im giving three stars because of the kind lady inside and the wonderful gentleman at the bar. They were great and very understanding and accommodating. I wish I knew their names so I could address them properly.

Zh
Review №59

Drove all the way, but it was closed due to Lincoln. They should have said it somewhere.

Fa
Review №60

The mocad is a small gallery with big ideas. There is a section of the mocad dedicated to architecture.There are also chalk boards around the gallery, with opinions and ideas of the visitors.

Da
Review №61

The venue is a great resource.

Da
Review №62

Weird but cool.

An
Review №63

Layout was a bit confusing upon first visit. It took us a while to find the exhibits we wanted. We eventually stumbled upon the immaculate courtyard. Its glass ceiling, eclectic decor, and convenient bar were definitely the highlights of our visit. I would pay the price of admission again just to lounge in that beautiful space on a rainy day.

Ma
Review №64

I want to love MOCAD, but Im generally always disappointed in the exhibitions and the general experience of the visit. They have a beautiful gallery space, but it is extremely underutilized. There are only two small gallery spaces that take at most 20 minutes to look through (a high estimate), and in my opinion, they are lazy from a curating standpoint. Staff is also generally stand-offish. Im hopeful that MOCAD will became a true centerpiece of the city one day, but TBD.

Al
Review №65

Love to take the grandson here

Mi
Review №66

I hid a dollar in the microwave at RoboLights.

Ki
Review №67

A great fixture of the local community that is fit for the Detroit tourist. Some galleries will blow your mind. Some will make you ask why anyone thinks this is art. Pretentious atmosphere, but not unapproachable. Thats modern art for you. Happy to support it, even when it is bad. Donation-based, so there is no risk. Worth the trip for the occasional amazing showing.

Pe
Review №68

Very cool modern art museum

Sh
Review №69

This place is so much fun! But beware that is is contemporary art, and if you dont think youd be able to handle things that dont look like art as art, then Id suggest going to the DIA. But if you love seeing things put into a different perspective and finding new and interesting things, this place is for you!

Al
Review №70

Fantastic exhibits and shows - located in Midtown Detroit near food and shopping.

Su
Review №71

Saw some cool things and some weird things. I thought it was very small. You would have to really like modern art.

Ma
Review №72

Excellent venue!! Staff is great!

Tr
Review №73

It’s a free museum with a good bar and a gift shop. Some people just don’t “get it”.

Ch
Review №74

Beautiful building that serves as the periodical home to wonderful thought-provoking pieces of contemporary art. definitely a place to visit should you ever find yourself in midtown. cafe 78 in the same building has a great bar and food selection. staff are the friendliest people around!

eo
Review №75

Great rotating exhibits. KAWS was amazing.

Co
Review №76

I stopped by here one afternoon hoping to grab a bite at the cafe. Unfortunately there was an event that prevented me from doing that, but I was still able to explore the art on display. This is a donation based museum, so pay what you can, with the suggested donation $5 I think. Its not huge so it doesnt take long to explore, but I really enjoyed seeing all the different types of art.

Je
Review №77

Robolights exhibit is a must see while it is in town!

Yo
Review №78

Excellent museum that constantly giving back to the community! the weekend classes for young artistic minds because the kids get to meet & interact with diverse local artists. Loving the mentorship method & encouragement to the youth

Bj
Review №79

Great location, awesome curation. While absolutely worth visiting on its own, check out their programme and events. Cafe and bar make this also a cool hang-out. Will be here again next time visiting Detroit. Yay!

Pr
Review №80

I love it. It is very tiny but very nice and clean.

Mo
Review №81

If youre reading reviews to decide whether its worth trying, then you should try it. Its not quite my cup of tea, but it is great for what it is. This is a different flavor of contemporary art from what youll find at the DIA, Cranbrook or elsewhere. Im glad I went, would go again if I knew someone who wanted to. Then again, what you see may be entirely different from what I saw. They dont own art, they just exhibit it for a limited time. Also, its one of the few museums in the city where parking is free.

Le
Review №82

Its not open for business yet but its beautiful inside.

An
Review №83

Amazing and worth a visit anytime youre near

Pa
Review №84

Always creative and compelling upcoming or established, local to international artists. The folks running the front end have always been friendly. Went the other night with two kids in a stroller. The toddler had a slice of pizza that even though he wasnt eating it, he wasnt ready to let it go. No one made a deal about it so didnt have to face a toddler power struggle to get rid of the slice, which Im thankful for.

He
Review №85

Good place for young artists to show their work.

Ro
Review №86

My experience at this place is not in the gallery area but the cafe space as a meeting place for AA. Different right?! There are meetings Sunday and Wednesday nights at 8. I’m new to town and new to the program. My first meeting there was a couple of Wednesday nights ago and it was a small group with a big impact. I went to tonight’s (Sunday) meeting and wouldn’t recommend it. It’s a big meeting in a large room where the acoustics make it a almost inaudible one.As for the art the little exploring I got to do after meeting I peeped three Barry “Twist” McGee paintings on the walls as permanent works. For me him and many of the SF based artists that in the 90’s started to share their vandal hearts with gallery goers are contemporary art. So as soon as I get a chance I definitely plan on coming through to see other great works.

An
Review №87

A delight, highly recommended especially for live music events.

Da
Review №88

Robolights was very cool

Je
Review №89

Cool art. Free parking. Lovely cafe and bar dining area. Free WiFi. Very clean bathrooms. Even has a Teen Council group for teens. Nice chill spot with thought-provoking art.

Za
Review №90

Fun place. Cool exhibits.

Sh
Review №91

Cool venue, great place for newcomers to visit and get a small taste of the Detroit art scene

co
Review №92

Had such a fun time here that ill treasure forever

Da
Review №93

Small museum with small parking lot, but cool exhibits. Located right across from Hopcat bar. Near Wayne State and Cultural Center area.

Da
Review №94

Awesome venue with an amazing bar. Great for date-nights too!

ME
Review №95

My daughter loved the workshop and took away valuable information, well worth the trip during inclement weather

Ta
Review №96

If you are really really into art then you might enjoy this place. Tourist or general people should only visit when specific and popular exhibition is there. No entry fee but it works on donation system.

Ga
Review №97

A historic building which used to be an auto dealership, now displaying contemporary art. The graffiti outside is super cool and photogenic, and there are periodic messages displayed as well that are contemplative (my favorite: there is no one left to blame.) The art exhibits are a hit or miss for me, but thats because Im not a big fan of contemporary art to begin with. I highly enjoy the community projects though (giving school children cameras then displaying their pictures was way better than I expected!) There is a nice little cafe (Cafe 78), and a small gift shop as well. Also, free admissions for students is hard to beat!

ro
Review №98

Intriguing exhibits, including Tom of Finland. Charming, minimalist cafe. Gift shop has some great items for sale.

je
Review №99

Very nice small format venue displaying modern and contemporary art. The collection changes regularly so come back often. Cafe 78 located inside is a five star joint all on its own.

De
Review №100

A gem in the city Im mad at myself I didnt visit before now. Great exhibits and we spent lots of time also looking at the gift shop which is full of unique cool stuff thats very Detroit first

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
  • Site:http://mocadetroit.org/
  • Phone:+1 313-832-6622
Categories
  • Art museum
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:11am–8pm
  • Thursday:11am–8pm
  • Friday:11am–5pm
  • Saturday:11am–5pm
  • Sunday:Closed
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Restaurant:Yes
Similar organizations