MASS MoCA: America's Largest Contemporary Art Campus

MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) is located in North Adams, Massachusetts, nestled in the Berkshire Hills. Opened in 1999, it occupies a vast 19th-century factory complex that was once the Arnold Print Works textile mill. With 250,000 square feet of exhibition space, it stands as the largest contemporary art museum in the United States, renowned for its ability to host ambitious, large-scale installations and immersive exhibitions that would be challenging to realize elsewhere.

From Industrial Mill to Art Hub

The journey of MASS MoCA began in 1985 when the Arnold Print Works mill closed, leaving behind a sprawling, abandoned industrial site. In 1986, Thomas Krens, then director of the Williams College Museum of Art (and later director of the Guggenheim Foundation), proposed transforming the complex into a contemporary art museum. This ambitious vision sparked 13 years of discussion, fundraising, and meticulous planning.

Bruner/Cott Architects were tasked with the master plan, adopting an approach that preserved the original industrial character of the buildings. They maintained the distinctive brick facades, heavy timber columns, and steel trusses, integrating minimal modern interventions. This design philosophy allows each of the 19 active buildings to retain its unique atmosphere, creating a campus-like feel where the past and present coexist.

Signature Long-Term Installations

• Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective: A monumental exhibition running from 2008 to 2043, featuring 105 wall drawings across four floors. Executed by LeWitt's assistants after his passing, these works are considered seminal examples of Minimalism and Conceptual Art, drawing many visitors specifically to experience this unique retrospective.
• James Turrell: Into the Light: This permanent installation comprises nine distinct light works, each housed in its own room. It offers a rare opportunity to experience a comprehensive range of Turrell's light and space explorations, from his early career to his later works, all within a single building.
• Anselm Kiefer: Velimir Chlebnikov: A powerful, large-scale installation made from 20 tons of lead panels. This work is a homage to the Russian Futurist poet Velimir Chlebnikov, with its overwhelming ship-like room being a particularly striking feature that leverages the museum's immense scale.
• The museum also features significant large-scale installations by artists such as Jenny Holzer, Laurie Anderson, and Joseph Beuys, further solidifying its reputation as a premier venue for monumental contemporary art.

Building 5: A Canvas for Grand Visions

Building 5, a gallery space the length of a football field, is dedicated to annual, large-scale commissions by a single artist. This expansive hall provides artists with an unparalleled canvas to realize their most ambitious visions. Recent artists who have created site-specific works in Building 5 include Teresita Fernández and Nick Cave, showcasing the museum's commitment to fostering groundbreaking contemporary art.

Visiting MASS MoCA: Tips and Nearby Attractions

MASS MoCA is approximately a 3-hour drive from New York City and 2.5 hours from Boston. Given its rural location, a rental car is the recommended mode of transport for most visitors, often as part of a weekend getaway. A minimum of 4 to 5 hours is suggested to explore the extensive exhibitions, as the sheer size and number of works can be tiring.

For a comprehensive cultural experience, visitors are encouraged to combine their trip to MASS MoCA with visits to the nearby Clark Art Institute (known for its large Renoir collection) and the Williams College Museum of Art, both within a 10-minute walk. Together, these institutions form the 'Berkshire Contemporary Art Trio,' offering a rich array of artistic experiences in western Massachusetts.

Admission for adults is $20, with student tickets available for $15. A unique feature is that tickets are valid for two consecutive days, allowing visitors to explore the vast museum at a leisurely pace. The museum is open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Tuesdays. On-site amenities include the Lickety Split cafe, and nearby options like Bright Ideas Brewing offer places to relax. During the summer, the museum plaza hosts outdoor jazz and rock concerts, transforming the campus into a vibrant art and music festival.