The MOCA building itself is modern, sanitary and located right in downtown. There's plenty of space and light, and the exterior is reminiscent of the more monumental San Francisco MOCA. There are art talks, a free-admission night and a growing permanent collection of paintings and other works. For proof of L.A.'s ascendence as a contemporary art capital, look no further than here.
Weekday parking can cost more than the price of admission. MOCA is the sister museum to Little Tokyo's Geffen Contemporary and MOCA Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.
-- Jeremy Rosenberg
The collection: MOCA's permanent collection features works by Claes Oldenberg, Louise Nevelson, Mark Rothko and others.