7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is an educational institution located in the heart of Scottsdale's popular Old Town district, dedicated to the presentation of exhibitions of contemporary and modern art, architecture, and design. Established in 1999, the museum is situated on a twenty-one acre park and serves as a vital cultural resource for the Southwest, providing a global perspective through its exhibitions and programs.
Designed by the award-winning architect Will Bruder, the museum's minimalist building, an ingenious renovation of a former movie theater, houses four galleries. These galleries host a variety of exhibitions curated from SMoCA's growing permanent collection and rotating exhibitions from around the globe. The museum's architecture also includes a public "skyspace" by the acclaimed artist James Turrell, adding to the aesthetic allure of the space.
At the core of SMoCA's philosophy is the belief in the transformative power of art to engage imaginations, challenge perceptions, and inspire change. It operates as an artist and audience-centered institution, aimed at bringing communities together. The museum's exhibitions and programs are designed to offer immersive and interactive experiences. For example, currently on view are exhibitions like "Roelof Knol: the space in between," which invites visitors to explore the relationship between digital and physical spaces, and "Christina Fernandez: Multiple Exposures," which presents a survey of the artist's exploration of gender, labor, migration, and Mexican American identity through photographic storytelling.
Additionally, SMoCA organizes various events to enhance community engagement and foster a deeper understanding of contemporary art and ideas. Upcoming events include "Mystery in the Museum" on October 27, 2023, "Succulent Skulls with Dig It Gardens" on October 28, 2023, and several others aimed at providing a diverse and enriching experience to its visitors. Through its wide array of exhibitions and community-centric events, SMoCA continues to be a hub of modern and contemporary artistic exploration in Scottsdale, Arizona.