Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) stands today as a vital cultural institution in Wisconsin, offering a dynamic space for artistic exploration and community connection. For more than a century, the museum presented exhibitions and educational programs in a series of borrowed and repurposed buildings. This long journey culminated in 2006, when MMoCA opened its striking new home, designed by renowned architect César Pelli, as part of the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison.

The facility itself is an artwork of vision and ambition. With 51,500 square feet of interior space, the museum houses expansive galleries that accommodate both large-scale contemporary installations and intimate presentations. Visitors are also drawn to the Rooftop Sculpture Garden, a 7,100-square-foot open-air space that brings art into dialogue with the city’s skyline. Additional amenities such as a 230-seat lecture hall, a new-media gallery, a classroom for children, and a dedicated study center for works on paper extend the museum’s reach beyond traditional exhibitions, creating a place for learning, reflection, and engagement.

This transformation was made possible through the generosity of W. Jerome Frautschi, whose commitment to the arts helped bring MMoCA’s vision to life. Today, the museum continues to champion contemporary artists, offering exhibitions that challenge perceptions and encourage dialogue around pressing cultural and social issues.

Equally important is the museum’s dedication to accessibility and education. Programs for children, students, and families invite the community to participate in the creative process, while lectures, screenings, and workshops foster deeper connections between audiences and artists. Through this blend of architectural beauty, innovative programming, and a commitment to openness, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art has become not only a place to view art but also a space where imagination, conversation, and discovery flourish.