Arizona’s only modern art museum is a great place to learn about art, architecture and design, and for visitors to enjoy a hands-on experience.
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) promises so much more than just admiring beautiful objects on walls. The aim of this fairly new centre is to encourage visitors to engage with and think about art, and for the art itself to be relevant to modern life and experiences. For this reason, the collections change regularly, and the museum runs programmes of workshops to encourage creative expression and to make art accessible to all.
Founded in 1999, the museum took over a former cinema building in Scottsdale, revamping it into a modern, airy space with a minimalist feel, where the art takes centre stage. The museum exclusively displays art, design and architecture from 1950 onwards, and features many local artists, as well as bigger national and internationally renowned names.
SMoCA has five main galleries where the excellent lighting draws your eye to the displays. Wander around the sculpture garden outside, or join a guided tour for an insight into the museum’s pieces. One of the most inspiring permanent exhibits is James Turrell’s “Knight Rise”. Spend some time sitting here, looking up through the small opening in the roof to appreciate the subtle changes in the light in the sky. On Fridays and Saturdays, head to the SMoCA Lounge, where art comes alive with musicians and writers sharing their work in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is closed on Mondays. Entrance is free for children aged 15 and under, and on Thursdays it’s free for everyone, although the ticket price is not expensive anyway. It takes about half an hour to drive here from downtown Phoenix and parking is available.
