The Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei (MoCA Taipei; ) is a museum of contemporary art, located in Datong District, Taipei, Taiwan.
History
The museum building was built during the Japanese rule in 1921 for what later became Jiànchéng Elementary School, which now occupies a new structure on the back of the historical building. After the handover of Taiwan from Japan to the Republic of China, it hosted the Taipei City Government and became an important landmark, thanks to its highly recognizable symmetrical building and belltower in historic style. After the city government had moved to the new location in Xinyi district, it was designated as a historical building, and re-opened on 27 May 2001 as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei (MOCA Taipei), as the first museum in Taiwan to be dedicated exclusively to contemporary art.
Exhibitions
While showcasing mainly contemporary Taiwanese art, under director Shih Jui-jen its activities have become increasingly international. In 2009, it organized a solo show of Taiwanese artist Yang Maolin as a pavilion at the Venice Biennale. In 2009 and 2010 it collaborated with MoCA Shanghai, Today Art Museum Beijing and Guangdong Museum of Art in the organization of the Animamix Biennial. Current director Loh Li-chen continues the international connections and presentations next to presenting both established local artists as well as giving space to young talent. In 2023 director Loh Li-chen secured the first stop of the international touring exhibition of Banksy's Love is in the Bin (authorized by Pest Office) reputed as one of the most iconic contemporary artworks of the 21st century, on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA), Taipei, from July 1 to August 13, 2023, before going into the world. In the same timeframe, MoCA Taipei presented NEXUS the first exhibition to focus exclusively on the Caribbean in Taiwan, which could be seen from May 5 until July 16, 2023.
Hours of operation
The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
Transportation
The museum is accessible within walking distance South West from Zhongshan Station of the Taipei Metro.