Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA

Address:	7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
Phone:	+1 480-874-4666
Site:	smoca.org
Rating:	3.7
Working:	Closed 12–5PM 12–5PM 12–9PM 12–9PM 12–9PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Cale Haug

The only Museum of Contemporary Art in Arizona, SMoCA is unique in its choices, exhibits and offerings. Although some children may enjoy this museum, it caters to an older and more sophisticated clientele. Great spot for a date. Parking is free, but difficult to navigate. I visited on National Museum Day, which by coincidence was a Thursday. Every Thursday, admission to the museum is FREE! Right in the Heart of Scottsdales Civic Center, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art truly reminds visitors of Scottsdales Roots: that Scottsdale hasnt much changed from its small-town feel, its artist colony of well-hospitable eccentrics, in Sepia. A must-see for Old Town Scottsdale tourists, SMoCA is on par with Taliesin West in terms of local artistic importance. The museum is well-worth checking out, especially for free, on a Thursday, even if for only fifteen minutes!!

Kyle Roland

This is the first review I have ever given but I felt obligated to share my experience with everyone. If I could give them zero stars most definitely would. I took my girlfriend to this museum thinking it would be something fun to do for a date being that its free admission on Friday nights. It took a total of 5 minutes to get through the entire exhibit. Not sure where or how they got the name contemporary art, was just a couple of concrete rooms with small pictures. Felt like we got robbed of part of our Friday night. On a positive note my girlfriend and myself left laughing at how horrible of a place I had chosen for our date. Save yourself the time and enjoy the modern art on the streets of Old Town rather than go to this museum.

Rachel Rueth

Love this museum. Four spacious galleries house rotating contemporary exhibits that stimulate the senses and open the mind. The works featured are sometimes controversial, sometimes more objective, focusing on form and creating an environment or experience, but I have yet to be disappointed or bored by anything I see here. Museum is close by, easy to access so its a great way to spend an hour or so. Gift shop offers up plenty of unique products and the grounds at Scottsdale Civic Center are beautiful for strolling through. SMoCA hosts plenty of lectures and social events as well if you want an experience with art that is more interactive with the community.

Farinaz Parsay

It is always a treat to be able to visit the art museums and look at the preserved art. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is the only permanent museum in Arizona which presents the best of contemporary art from around the world. The museum also collaborates with other museums of art and art centers in Arizona and other states. They also have regular exhibitions which rotate continually and they use the process to create educational experiences for all ages. The outdoor courtyard of the museum is a natural showcase of beauty of nature and it added to my enjoyable visit.

Chris Spear

Luckily we visited on a free evening, otherwise I would have been very disappointed. Ive visited contemporary museums in many cities, and this seems more like a collection of items that people donated because they no longer wanted them in their home. A collection of family photos from the 1960s and 70s held my attention, mainly because of the novelty of seeing Kodak Disc pix. The rest of the galleries were forgettable. One thing grabbed me - the open ceiling in the outdoor exhibition space which framed the open sky in an almost zen display of negative space.

Aaron Jay Lev

Ive been to Contemporary Art museums across the country but I think the one in Scottsdale is the most approachable. It offers a variety of programming to reach out to different groups of people (including teenagers). I appreciate the community outreach. It is conveniently located in Old Town and they have a GREAT Gift Shop. Plan on bringing a few bucks to get a memorable gift on your way out. Many of the exhibits are interactive so I was able to get lost in the experience for a bit. Great times.

malakh000yishai

If I could I would not give it any stars. If your Black or Hispanic AVOID this museum. You will be followed everywhere you go. I had this experience with my gf and we were watched in every room. These people that are dressed in black leaning against the wall are not here to help but to watch you. They literally chased my gf and I when we walked in different rooms JUST TO STARE! How the hell are you going to be racist when your promoting middle eastern peoples arts and crafts at this museum?

namrats66

Visited Oct 17, 2013 specifically to see the Terrell nightscape installation, it was everything a Canadian photographer/artist, Andre Cornellier, had told me. I enjoyed the several art exhibits especially the kinetic and light display and the Japanese calligraphy. The nearby courtyard and eateries were reasonable, enjoyed some great chocolate gelato! SMOCA was so worth the drive from Tucson! Certainly will visit again, I especially enjoy modern and contemporary art.

Paloma Ibañez

I visited for my first time for an Arizona Community Foundation event and am so thankful for it, otherwise I dont know if I would have made time to check it out. The art director is incredible and with her staff is bringing the SMOCA to life in a way Ive never experienced before with its Permanent Collection / Impermanent Museum exhibit. I cant wait to go back! You also shouldnt miss the Mel Roman exhibit through Oct 2, 2016!!

Erik Naranjo

I have to say that I was quite dissapointed in this exhibit. The art was bland and boring and their was nothing particularly special about anything. I felt like I wasnt even looking at art. It was such a waste of time, granted I had to go there for an art project. I give this exhibit one star because it absolutely made me hate art. Never take anyone here if theyve never been to an art museum because this one blows.

Ian Stubbs

In no way am I any form of art critique. I am an average person and am speaking to the average people here when they might be thinking about going here. I dont understand modern art or contemporary art, to me it is weird and just looks like old junk from the 80s. The staff was very friendly but this did not suit my taste. The gift shop was neat, some interesting things in there.

P Picasso

My family and I have enjoyed many of the exibits at Smoca over the years like the "Almost warm & fuzzy" that included a full sized toy fire truck. The "James Turrell feature" a few years back was so cool we went back several times. I always look forward to visiting and I think it has been a great addition to the culture of this town.

Jonathan Wilson

Great museum. It was pretty small, with only a handful of exhibits, but they were really large, immersive environments, which made it really fun. Its modern art, so if thats not your taste, go elsewhere. If you like contemporary, though, this place is really amazing. This museum is about quality over quantity.

Stephen Arnold

Scheduled docent tours didnt occur. Some individual pieces in the recent acquisitions and conservation projects exhibition were interesting but couldnt see any theme or point. I can understand why the artists in the remembering exhibition couldnt remember because the photos and film footage were so mundane.

Lorenzo .Laurent

A small museum, not an overwhelming place to check some of the current art going on in the world scene, just the right scale. One can see different exhibitions each month and attend other events. The pictures are from the installation "Ocean of light: Submergence" by Squidsoup... a refreshing plunge!