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Categories: Bookstores, Museums [Edit]
700 Prospect StMon-Tue., Thu-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Not just for their art, which I did appreciate the architecture one. The front desk has been consistently friendly.
We had our wedding here for the ceremony in the outdoor terrace and the dinner reception in their axle room. It's the perfect place if you want privacy, but still have a beautify view of the ocean waves. We received many compliments about the location of our wedding which was designed to be modern, contemporary vibe in structure. The only thing is that the max capacity on the outdoor terrace is 150 people limit.
Eric the events director is very professional and punctual with emails and correspondance as well. It was a pleasure having our special personal event for family and friends here. The only thing is this place books up quick, we booked it about a year in advance to be able to have a fall wedding.
Okay, so I rant. I've been here before and enjoyed the contemporary ART exhibits very much. But I'm no no architect. I am nothing more than an appreciative art aficionado and the current exhibit (MIX) belongs in an architectural museum, not here. So when this place resumes normal ops, I'll be back. Call me old-fashioned but art should excite, inspire and question not bore me with how many 2x4's were used to support a ceiling joist or whatever.
P.S., Photography was prohibited. See photos.
P.P.S., The permanent exhibits still excite (check the flying boats)
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What's not to love about this place? Since I discovered this beautiful museum a few years ago I have been back at least 10 times! It's one of the better museums I have been to in a while. The exhibits that rotate through have all been fascinating and exciting. Of course, Nancy Rubins' Pleasure Point is always breathtaking. I remember the first time I saw it... I was in awe. Simply amazing.
The art isn't the only reason to go. The view of the ocean from the museum is beautiful. Better than the view from the Getty Villa. And the Cafe is always relaxing and delicious after an afternoon of art viewing. And finally... the gift store. It's awesome. I've spent way too much money there. They get new merchandise a lot more often than other museums as well.
My suggestion: Go. Just do it.
As others have noted, it's an attractive building and has a small, but interesting garden in the back. If you find pieces of junk welded together to be high art, you might actually like the museum's contents, which, by the way, are amazingly limited. It is mostly empty space and empty walls. Our 19-month old granddaughter loved running through the place. A guard followed her everywhere because she seemed to way to destroy the museum's contents. I think that she would have done mankind a favor. I should note that I like contemporary art .... elsewhere.
I'm going to give the museum in general 4 stars, but I did not like the current exhibit, MIX. This was my first time at the museum and I was very pleased to find out that admission for anyone under the age 25 is free. Awesome. The museum itself is very nice and in a gorgeous location. The views from the glass windows inside the museum are unbeatable. You get a great view from the ocean. I was told I couldn't take a picture as soon as I wiped out my camera, but this was the only place I was told so, because before that I was taking pictures inside the museum and I didn't know.
I loved the gardens outside which offer more great ocean views, lots of big cactus, and some pretty cool sculptures, figures and things to see.
Seeing as this is the only time I've went I can only judge the current exhibit, MIX, which was an exhibit about nine San Diego architects/designers. While I did not enjoy this exhibit I'm sure I would enjoy another exhibit that wasn't based around architect. For this current exhibit, I feel you really need to be interested in architect to appreciate it. Otherwise, it is very boring. It is mainly miniature scaled house/building models, photographs of architect, videos on it, lots of wood. Haha. I really did try to take something out of it that I could appreciate but I really couldn't. I was only disappointing because I was really expecting something different. However, architecture is still art and maybe you can find something in it that appeals to you.
My favorite part may have been the gift store. Full of unique gifts and anything from tea cups to t-shirts to Tokidoki stuff :)
This is a tiny museum, but their exhibits rotate regularly and the admission is cheap. It's located in a beautiful part of downtown La Jolla, and the view of the ocean from the patio is amazing! They have some permanent statues in the garden, as well as the aforementioned rotating exhibits. The museum has a very personable feel as the staff seem genuinely excited that you are there and they do not hesitate to inform you about the current artwork on display. I learned a lot about the artwork and hope to come back sometime soon!
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I'm not an art expert by any means, but I do enjoy checking our art museums. Since the Museum of Art at Balboa maintains a permanent exhibit in addition to whatever new exhibit they have at the time, I wanted to see a different exhibit and genre.
If you are 25 and under you get in free to the MOCA all the time. On the third Thursday of the month they are open until 7PM which allowed us to go to work and still check out a museum, unlike Balboa Park.
The view is gorgeous, especially on a summer day. The museum is right on the coast and the small sculpture garden behind the museum allows you to take in the view. We both wished the sculpture garden was more robust because this was definitely our favorite part.
As for the MIX: Nine San Diego Architects and Designers" exhibit my friend and I thought it was God Awful. A bunch of blueprints, wooden building blocks, uninteresting videos, pics of homes and their interior designs, etc. I like to drool over million dollar kitchens like any other American consumer, but meh, NEXT!
That Sophie Calle lecture blew me away. How cool to get to see one of my absolute art idols speak just a short drive away from my house, and in an acoustically amazing room. The gift shop [trying to be unbiased here!] is an incredible sampling of contemporary design mixed with fun graphic arty wares, like Friends With You plushies and t-shirts by Loyal Army.
I love this place so much, I'm going to marry it. Oops, I mean, I love this place so much, I'm going to get married here.
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Tiny museum with an interesting rotating collection and frequent, awesome lectures. The gift shop is… Read more »
It was a Saturday night in mid-December. After 10 years together, my sister and her husband had finally gotten married earlier that day (*note to my boyfriend: this is unacceptable). Anyway, after an obscenely early morning, coupled with pouring rain and my sister, the bride, coming down with some demonic flu that very day and thus sniffling and hacking all over her $6,000 wedding gown, we were ready to party.
Thank God my sis chose MCASD in La Jolla for her reception as it was too stunning for words once outfitted for her fete. We began with a cocktail hour on the patio overlooking the ocean. Post-rain surf and a cool ocean breeze - cocktail hours don't get much better.
We were then effortlessly shuffled indoors (transitions are key to a good wedding and I give MCASD's logistics high marks) where we proceeded to dine, dance and drink (mostly the latter, especially in Sicky the Bride's case).
The entire space was beautiful, which made for a truly memorable night. Gorgeous lighting, flawless set-up, fantastic sound - everything was perfection ... until I got tipsy before making my maid of honor speech. Shooooot.
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My 5 star rating is based on two visits, both for the exhibit "Vik Muniz: Reflex". It was brilliant and thought-provoking. His reconstruction of famous images with common minuscule materials causes us to reflect on the meaning of the image itself. For example he produces portraits of Caribbean children with fine grains of processed sugar cane, the very material that caused their poverty but also their identity. In my favorite collection, he recreates famous portraits of glamorous women like Elizabeth Taylor using diamonds strewn across a black background. He then wanted to find a material as rich and as iconic for infamous monsters. He choose caviar for its association with wealth, but also with decay. He recreates villains like Dracula with caviar against a white background. For someone who loves the details and the big picture, it's an amazing exhibit.
The museum itself is gorgeous with plenty of space, white distraction-less walls, and a few fantastic views of the ocean. The outdoor sculpture garden is unique, playful, strange, and just thoroughly interesting. The prime real estate (La Jolla's most beloved beach, Children's Pool, is just below the Museum balcony) doesn't hurt either. Make it a date and have delicious and well-priced brunch at the cafe after exercising your brain in the museum.
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I'm a member of the American Association of Museums which includes free admission to MCASD. I was visiting the cove this past weekend and caught the current "MIX: Nine San Diego Architects and Designers" exhibit which was great! They also have a space overlooking the gardens and ocean with openings cut out of the window so you can stick your head out and catch the ocean breeze! I heard the previous windows cracked so this is a new one. You can also get a different perspective of Nancy Rubins' Pleasure Point sculpture (the boats) from here too. While you're there, check out the sculpture garden and the sculptures in the public areas around the museum. Admission to this location also gets you into the downtown location and is valid for a whole week. I used to go to MCASD Downtown for TNT (Thursday Night Thing) but because of the economy, they've suspended TNT until November.
Excellent display of post-war traveling exhibitions.
Previous reviews claiming admission is $20 are wrong. Admission is $10.
One note is that this is not a kid-friendly museum. It features contemporary art that *can* be on the edgy side, including use of the 'f-word' and sculptures/drawings depicting people in sexual-type situations.
The previous review stating that the museum architecture is 'boring' might be a little-off. This museum was designed to focus on the view [of the ocean] and the display of the art. That is why the inside is minimalist and plain.
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So today I visited the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown La Jolla. If you are walking around La jolla shopping and your under the age of 25, you might as well stop by the museum for free. They give you a sticker for your admission and then you enjoy the place. The workers at the museum are very polite and awesome! The art is very modern. Most of the art you see are reflected towards beautiful buildings in san diego and even La Jolla. Others are paintings or certain objects. The garden is an amazing site. Once you get to the balcony of the garden, above your head is stacks of surfboards or boat types which is famous to the museum. The view of the ocean is amazing with the garden filled of trees like palm trees. A cool area of the museum is the studio of Sebastian Mariscal. Really cool because its made out of art.
The best part you'll love about the museum is the giftshop. The prices are reasonable and really related to art. I got a shirt for only 10 dollars. On sale for 50% off. Anyways, the worker inside was cool. For every person who walked in, he said hello.
After the museum, you might want to walk over to the cove for a swim, tan, whatever. Or even shop on Girard Avenue and Prospect. Cool shops. Wow, I said cool a lot of times, must be a good place ;) Go see the museum!!!
I'm not going to lie, I always thought of contemporary art as being really "weird." I still kind of do, but after going to this museum I feel like I have a better appreciation of this style of art. Some of the museum's rotating art pieces are really interesting, and many are beautiful in a quirky, unique sort of way. The thing about modern art is that it usually has a message. When I've been here I've found myself staring at some of the art pieces for quite a while trying to determine what the heck the artist was trying to get across (or if he was just high). Some of the stuff I've seen here has just been straight up crazy. I like it though because it makes you think outside the box.
Although the museum is small all the windows make it seem more spacious. The layout is interesting, with all the turns and the side rooms. I always feel like I'm exploring when I go there. I love the pretty outdoor area with the wooden cannon that is also a see saw. The view of the ocean from the museum is unbeatable.
The gift shop is small but has some funky, entertaining stuff in it.
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The most vital information here is that on the third Tuesday of every month, admission is free from 11am to 5pm. If you ever are looking for a good reason to play hookie from work and enjoy everything offered by seaside living, figure that into your plans. The sculpture garden that practically hangs over the ocean is a vital stop on any day out.
The rotating interior displays aren't 100% guaranteed, as it's going to be hit or miss like any museum. But the folks putting together the installations really know their stuff- not just the art itself, but how to assemble a display that flows and builds a narrative outside of the pieces themselves. Plus, I'm partial to the flow of the building's space in itself, which is condusive to an individualized exploration of an exhibit that makes each visit different.
The gift shop also manages to be awesome and reflective of the local flavor and artistic craftsfolk. In particular is the collection of Exist 1981 shirts which I personally am a big fan of (and whose website is FINALLY up). It's a bit overpriced but that's to be expected whenever you find a confluence of gift shop and haute couture. Aside from the shirts are great materials that support exhibitions and bookshelves bowing under the weight of the spectacular materials. Plus postcards, posters, and other conventional art museum knick knacks.
One of my favorite places to while away a few hours.
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I think this museum is a real jewel in San Diego! Everything I have seen them do is as good as what I have seen in NY or LA. It may be a small museum, but it is one of the most beautiful in the world... how many others have a view 100 feet from the ocean! Even more than that, I feel the work they do is well rounded, and there is something for everyone throughout the year. A great museum in San Diego!
If you can, do a docent tour, it will make your visit much more enjoyable. Check their website or call for tour schedule.
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This is a fun museum in a gorgeous location. My boyfriend (now husband) & I visited it maybe 15 years ago, and fell in love with La Jolla. It has limited hours like most places in La Jolla, but is worth a visit, even with kids in tow, as we know now.
I would love to have been able to review the Museum as we made a special trip on our way out of town to get a gander, but Ive found that every single place Ive been to in the San Diego area has a different day that they are closed, and the MOCA's is, oddly, Wednesday. so we walked up, and were immediately shut down by the clerk. She informed us that the gift shop was open, so we decided to check it out, and I have to say, of all the many Museum gift shops Ive been to, this one takes the cake.. well maybe not THE CAkE, but definitely in the top 3. What a well put together shop, with such treasures, many of which seem specific to the MOCA.
our trip wasnt completely wasted, and along with the beautiful surroundings of the Museum, we got to peruse and purchase some really unique items despite our lack of actual cultural fulfillment.
GO MOCASD gift shop!!
cant wait to see the actual museum on our next trip.
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I want more people to come here!
This museum, as well as it's downtown counterpart, is one the best places in San Diego to go to see good contemporary art. The curators are very good at bringing in international artists, as well as highlighting local artists.
You must check out the sculpture garden, from the long Yellow Hose by Gabriel Orozco, to the Roman de Salvo water cannon, it is a beautiful view with thought-provoking, interesting art.
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This modern museum is a wonderful asset to San Diego and a wonderful home to many great exhibits, shows, and film screenings and festivals.
Sporting a grand view of La Jolla's sparkling blue Pacific Coast, it's a must see if you are just stopping by our sunny seaside town for a visit.
They annually showcase the Spike and Mike Sick and Twisted Animation film festival which is splendid if you like high quality adult humor
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This used to be a ritual back in my college days: Studying Computer Science didn't give me much of a creative outlet. So, for sanity, I'd trek down to this beautiful museum at least every other month. Of course, I love the thought provoking characteristics of modern art. Some of it is just pure shit: I don't get it. Some of it I just go 'wow' and stare at for a few hours.
I saw some pieces by Warhol here. I've seen Lichtenstein, Bill Viola, William Wegman videos, whatever... They've provided sanity when my mind was cluttered up with ones and zeros.
Anyway, this is a beautiful location for a museum, overlooking the pacific ocean. It's small but well worth the day trip.
As a side note, they used to have Spike and Mike's Festival of Animation showing here about a decade ago. I don't know if this still goes on, but it's another reason to come and visit.
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The Museum of Contemporary art generally kicks ass. The exhibitions have been getting edgier and edgier as the years go by. And the museum's film program, my God, it's amazing. Neil Kendricks, the film curator, never ceases to amaze me with the crazy films he finds.
Also, as a pointless side note, I love the Hammering Man sculpture. I don't know why I love it, I just do.
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For the youthful and worldly artists, this will quench your thirst. They have a location in downtown San Diego as well but the La Jolla site is bigger. I have only been there once and have loved it during my visit. One of my favorite exhibits is in there and overlooks the ocean, so be sure to go on a glorious day. Also, be sure to check out the outdoor exhibits too. Meanwhile, the bookstore carries cool and chic items you don't see anywhere else---they don't come cheap either.
Fare: Free if under 25, I believe.
Parking: Street parking is ample, it just may take you a while to find a spot at times.
Events: Tune in for special events. Sometimes they play international and independent films there at night.
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A beautiful house of great modern art in a truly spectacular coastal setting. I've made a point to visit this museum every time I've visited the greater San Diego area, even if I've had to travel an hour out of my way for it, and even if I've had my fill of what's on view at the newer 2-building compound of the MCASD downtown.
Discovery seems to be a strong suit of MCASD as I've always been delighted by rotating selections of Latino and Latin American contemporary artists' work here. And selections chosen for exhibition in key spots of the museum's exterior always have a magical symbiosis with the building's geographic setting and architecture. Examples of this would include Ed Ruscha's mural as well as the precariously fascinating, more recent display of Nancy Rubins' scuplture of boats and canoes.
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I can't say I've ever seen a piece of art in this place but my two daughters have a yearly dance recital in the auditorium so I thought I'd review it. It's a real nice auditorium complete with a ticket sales booth out front and bathrooms inside right outside of the auditorium. The seats are plush and the sound system is nice and loud. Each year the kids get older and their moving about on stage more closely resembles dancing. I've seen they have a little cafe adjacent to the auditorium but I've never been there.
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A beautiful place to house art. Simply spectacular views of the ocean. Probably one of the best museum stores. Our day was pretty short there because the exhibit was very small. How come there isn't a permanent collection there? Maybe it was on loan. For the $20 admission fee for adults, there should be more than 12 pieces of art to view.
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Location location location! Its location is absolutely gorgeous, perfect place to stop by on a sunny summer afternoon when you're on an idyllic walk. Don't forget to check out the museum cafe - its really good!
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Very nice museum. They were having an art auction so some of the pieces were not interesting or impressive. They seemed to random. Their sculpture garden was nice and the large installation was very cool. The exhibit about sound was a treat. My major problem was that our docent though very nice wasn't very informative. Most of my HS students that were on the tour knew more than she did.
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What's not to love about this museum? If only there were more to love! It's not that big. On the plus side, cool views of the ocean, a fabulous cactus garden and a collection that's just plain beautiful. Usually pretty good choices for the exhibits, too. I think there's a cafe, which is nice since it's a little hike from the Girard eateries.
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A museum couldn't ask for a more idyllic setting, and they take advantage of their good fortune here at the Museum of Contemporary Art by having open 'windows' facing the sea. I think these geometric openings are actually art in themselves. Since it's contemporary, you won't find endless walls of flat paintings broken up by the occasional marble bust. Besides painted canvas, wood and fiberlglass, there are flat screens playing video art, rooms full of nickels and matchsticks on the floor and something that looks like a poorly hung disco ball.
Keep your eyes peeled for cool film screenings and Spike and Mike's Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation (unless you are easily offended, then please just skip it).
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Wasn't shitty like I thought it'd be. I really enjoyed myself and the set up.
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I can't believe this place gets good reviews. I am not an art expert and I have only been here once but for this place to rank higher than the San Diego museum of art is a joke. When I went this place had piles of sand on display.
It's pretty tiny, but there are some interesting pieces to look at, if you're into this kind of art. I enjoyed their garden section and the cut windows with the view of the ocean. Their book store has neat little knick knacks that are way expensive, but I still want them.
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Affiliated with its satellite museum in downtown, this location is by far my favorite. The interesting outside installations framing the building will most likely catch your attention, although I have found them a bit irrelevant over the years. The exhibits have historical resonance and even historicize (like any pontificate museums)a lot of artistic trends that have only been touched upon by other institutions. I remember witnessing the most poignant Fluxus exhibit there, which was adequately showcased conceptually speaking.
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Category: Botanical Gardens
Neighborhood: Rolando
Category: Stadiums & Arenas
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Category: Museums
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Category: Bookstores
Neighborhood: Mission Hills
Category: Cinema
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