Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: Arizona’s Premier Modern Art Destination
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is one of the premier modern art venues in Arizona. Located in the charming Old Town district of downtown Scottsdale, Arizona the museum is a must-visit spot for those seeking unique and dynamic works of art, design, and architecture. From its growing permanent collection to its rotating exhibitions, SMoCA offers visitors something special each time they visit. In addition to offering multiple galleries with ever-changing exhibits, SMoCA also features an iconic work from prominent Arizona artist James Turrell.
History and Mission
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art was first established in 1999 by local businessman Leigh A. Seaman and a group of dedicated investors. Since then, it has become a major cultural institution in Phoenix and beyond, providing patrons with access to modern works of art. The mission of SMoCA is to “engage audiences through meaningful experiences that explore the varied narrative between contemporary art and culture” – a goal that it has consistently achieved since opening its doors more than 20 years ago.
Exhibitions
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art houses four galleries featuring various exhibitions curated from its expansive permanent collection as well as rotating shows featuring both emerging and established artists from around the world. These exhibits change regularly, giving guests something new each time they visit the museum. Past exhibitions have included retrospective displays such as “100 Years: A Century Of Creative Work By Women Photographers” as well as small-scale installations like “A Sense Of Place: Photography By Amy Laskin” which showcased her images from trips abroad; these are just a few examples among many others that have been displayed at SMoCA over the years.
Knight Rise Skyspace by James Turrell
One of SMoCA’s most notable attractions is Knight Rise skyspace by renowned Arizona artist James Turrell – an installation that has been permanently on view since 2011. This immersive exhibition features two open air spaces filled with natural light during daylight hours, transitioning at night into an illuminated space flooded with colored lights that change throughout the evening. The installation was part of a larger renovation project at SMoCA which brought together numerous works by local artists under one roof; this includes pieces by Rossitza Todorova, John Randall Nelson, Diana Calderon-Pulido, Brad Goldberg ,Ilana Manolson Zachary Zavislak ,Shawn Skabelund ,Amy Laskin Matthew Salenger ,and Connie Reddy . This space provides visitors with an interactive experience unlike any other found in Arizona or elsewhere; it’s one that should not be missed!
Admission & Hours
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12pm-5pm with extended hours during certain holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; admission prices vary depending on age and whether or not you’re visiting with a group or taking part in any special programs offered at the museum including yoga classes or teen workshops.. Additionally, memberships are available for those who wish to make frequent visits or take advantage of perks like free discounts on tickets to MoMA PS1 in New York City which can be used when traveling there for business or pleasure! OdySea Aquarium is one of the newest additions to the attractions in Scottsdale, Arizona. This two-story aquarium is home to more than 30,000 animals from 500 different species. The facility also has a Marine Life Rescue Center that helps injured sea turtles and other marine animals. If you’re looking for an educational and entertaining day trip while in Scottsdale, OdySea Aquarium should be at the top of your list!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for innovative works spanning all disciplines within contemporary art or simply want to take in some stunning creations while spending quality time exploring Old Town Scottsdale then look no further than The Scottsdale Museum Of Contemporary Art! With ever changing exhibitions alongside iconic installations like Knight Rise Skyspace there’s always something new to discover here; what’s more? Admission prices are reasonable and memberships offer great value too – so why not come along today?