Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

MOCA Jacksonville was founded in 1924 as the Jacksonville Fine Arts Society,[2] the first organization in the Jacksonville community devoted to the visual arts. In 1948 the Museum was incorporated as the Jacksonville Art Museum, and in 1978 it became the first institution in Jacksonville to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

In late 1999 the Museum acquired its permanent home, the historic Western Union Telegraph Building on Hemming Plaza, built by The Auchter Company, adjacent to the newly renovated City Hall, and became the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art (JMOMA). In 2000, a series of preview exhibitions opened in a temporary exhibition space while the building facade was restored to its original Art Deco style. The interior was completely refurbished to house the Museum’s galleries, educational facilities, a theater/auditorium, Museum Shop and Café Nola. Total renovation of the 60,000-square-foot (5,600 m²), six-floor facility was completed in 2003, culminating in a grand re-opening in May of that year.[3]

After moving to its downtown location the Museum experienced rapid growth in both membership and the size of the permanent collection. The many substantial additions to the collection increased not only its quality, but also its size to almost 800 pieces. After completing a recent review of the current scope of the Museum’s collection and exhibitions, discussions were held regarding the distinctions between modern and contemporary art, as well as the Museum’s mission and vision for the future. It was decided that in order for the Museum to convey a strong sense of identity and purpose to both the community and other art institutions across the country, its name should change. Therefore, in November 2006, JMOMA became the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.[4]

The Museum continues to be a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s multibillion-dollar downtown revitalization plan.[5] Its exhibitions and programming bring new visitors to the civic core during the day, at night and on weekends. Educational programming includes children’s literacy initiatives and weekend art making classes as well as regular tours, lectures, films and publications for children and adults.

MOCA Jacksonville is an inviting environment in which to learn about the art of our time. Stroll through the permanent collection galleries and view the works of Hans Hofmann, Joan Mitchell, James Rosenquist, Ed Paschke, and other contemporary masters. MOCA Jacksonville’s changing exhibitions feature the works of many contemporary artists working in a wide assortment of media from painting, sculpture, and video. The third floor hosts exhibitions, which rotate approximately every four months, designed to provide insightful, stimulating and educational experiences.

The University of North Florida acquired the museum in 2009 to act as a cultural resource of the university.[6]

• Synthesize: Art + Music
• Project Atrium: Gabriel Dawe, Plexus No. 38
• Bands of Color: the Use of Line in Contemporary Art
• Another Side Revealed: Art with a Heart in Healthcare

• Call & Response: Reinterpreting MOCA Jacksonville’s Permanent Collection
• Project Atrium: Juan Fontanive
• UNF Gallery Margaret Ross Tolbert: Lost Springs

• MOCA Jacksonville Official Website