Why name it Moco? You must have wondered. Well, it is short for modern and contemporary. Moco museum in Amsterdam, houses an amazing collection of modern, contemporary, and street art by artists of extraordinary genius like Jean Michel Basquiat, Banksy, Icy and Sot, JR, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, Tracey Emin, Yayoi Kusama, and Andy Warhol, among many more. Yes, you guessed it right, it’s a paradise for art connoisseurs and seasoned and budding artists
The museum adds to the list of illustrious, popular, and must-visit destinations in Amsterdam. It was inaugurated and opened to the public in 2016 by a Dutch art-collecting couple, Lionel and Kim Logchies. The building (which is now converted into a museum) was originally designed in 1904 by Eduard Cuypers, nephew of the celebrated Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers who designed the Amsterdam Central Station and the Rijksmuseum.
The museum is situated in the Museumplein area in Amsterdam, which is home to several other renowned ones like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum.
Relatively small in size, the museum has a total exhibition space of around 600 square meters spread over two floors. However, the size has not impacted its popularity as it has gained worldwide recognition in a limited span of 7 years for its impressive collection of contemporary art and innovative exhibitions.
The museum serves as a platform to promote unique and extraordinary artwork by contemporary and street artists and has become increasingly popular with locals and tourists over the years. The museum’s founders believe that contemporary art must be accessible to everyone, and they have made a conscious effort to create exhibitions that are not only visually stunning but also intellectually engaging as they compel you to ponder over the exhibit themes and subjects.
Some More Highlights You Should Know
There are many high points and best features of the Moco Museum in Amsterdam. The first that comes to mind is the collection of Banksy’s art. The street artist (who prefers to work under the pseudonym ‘Banksy’) is often known for his thought-provoking and controversial artwork. His stencil-based street art includes political and social commentary, and he is loved for his witty and subversive messages. The museum has a permanent collection of Banksy’s art. Among his most famous pieces are “Laugh Now”, “Beanfield”, and “Girl with Balloon” murals.
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring the works of other contemporary artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. These exhibitions are carefully curated and offer visitors a unique and engaging experience.
Since the Moco Museum is located close to the other renowned ones, you can easily spend an entire day exploring the area and taking in the city’s rich cultural history.
Many of the museum’s exhibits are interactive and encourage visitors to engage with the art in a new and exciting way. For example, the ‘Infinity Mirror Room’ by Yayoi Kusama allows visitors to step inside a mirrored room and experience an infinite space. It is fun to explore the 3D effects of contemporary art forms.
The small size and space of the museum do not give visitors an overwhelming feeling. The intimate setting also creates a sense of exclusivity and adds to the overall experience.
Overall, with its impressive collection of contemporary and street art, innovative exhibitions, and intimate setting, the Moco Museum has quickly become Amsterdam’s one of the top attractions.
Info on Timings and Tickets
The Moco Museum is open to the public all seven days a week. The following are its hours of operation — Monday to Friday (Weekdays): 10 am to 6 pm; and Saturdays and Sundays: 9 am to 7 pm.
Please note that the museum is occasionally closed for private events or during holidays, so it’s always a good idea to check their website or contact the museum directly to confirm their hours of operation.
You can choose to either purchase tickets online in advance (always a better option) or from their ticket desk on the day of your visit. The price of admission varies depending on the visitor’s age and whether they are purchasing a regular ticket or a combined ticket with other attractions in the area. When you book online you get a 3 to 7 euro discount per ticket.
Ticket Admission Fee for adults is 19.95 euros or less. Children below 6 years enjoy free admission. For youth between 7 and 17 years, there is a fee of 16.95 euros or less.
It’s worth noting that due to the popularity of the museum and its limited space, you are advised to book your tickets online and in advance to avoid long lines and ensure availability. Your ticket will be valid only within the chosen date and time slot. Tickets, once purchased, are non-refundable.
Address, Email and How to Reach
Moco Museum is located at Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands. For queries you can write to amsterdam@mocomuseum.com or hello@mocomuseum.com.
here are several ways to reach the museum. You can take tram number 2 or 5 and get off at the Rijksmuseum stop. From there, the Moco Museum is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Amsterdam is famous for its cycling culture, and you can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city. The Moco Museum has a bike parking facility where you can park your bike.
If you are driving, you can park your car in the Museumplein parking garage, which is just a short distance away from the Moco Museum. Taxis are readily available in Amsterdam, and you can ask your driver to take you to the Moco museum, though this could be an expensive proposition.
