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Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)

Explore contemporary art, architecture, and design at Scottsdale's premier museum. Rotating exhibitions, a unique skyspace, and diverse perspectives await.

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SMoCA, located in downtown Scottsdale, Arizona, is dedicated to contemporary art, architecture, and design. Housed in a renovated movie theater, the museum features rotating exhibitions, a permanent skyspace by James Turrell, and a museum shop.

A brief summary to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursday for free admission.
  • Check the SMoCA website for current exhibitions and events.
  • Take the free Scottsdale Trolley to Indian School Road for easy access to the museum.
  • Explore the Shop@SMoCA for unique design objects and gifts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, walk north towards the museum's main, east-facing doors. The entrance is located across from the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. No cost.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Valley Metro Rail to the nearest stop in Tempe or Phoenix, then transfer to a bus route that serves Scottsdale. Alternatively, take the Scottsdale Trolley to the Indian School Road stop and walk south. A single bus fare is $2.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Request a ride from anywhere in Scottsdale to 7374 E 2nd St. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Expect to pay around $10-15 for a short trip within Scottsdale.

  • Driving

    Drive to the Civic Center Library Garage at 3803 N Drinkwater Blvd or the Civic Center Garage at 3888 N Wells Fargo Ave. From the Drinkwater Boulevard Garage, use the passageway to access SMoCA. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is a unique and vital cultural resource located in the heart of downtown Scottsdale. Founded in 1999, SMoCA is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art, architecture, and design from around the world. The museum is housed in a minimalist building, originally a movie theater, retrofitted by Phoenix-based architect Will Bruder. This history is subtly referenced in the building's design. SMoCA has five galleries that house various exhibitions, drawn from its growing permanent collection and rotating shows. The museum has featured major exhibitions from artists such as Lydia Okumura, James Marshall, Paolo Soleri, and Olafur Eliasson. A highlight of SMoCA is the Knight Rise skyspace, created by Arizona artist James Turrell. This permanent installation offers a tranquil space to experience the changing desert sky through a central skylight. SMoCA also has a museum shop that sells design objects, jewelry, and books. SMoCA is committed to serving diverse audiences and showcasing underrepresented perspectives. The museum actively seeks to highlight the work of artists from Muslim, African American, and Indigenous communities. SMoCA also offers a range of educational programs, workshops, and events. Currently, exhibitions include Alida Sun: Biophony, Cybele Lyle: Floating Seeds Make Deep Forms, and This Just In… Recent Acquisitions @SMoCA.

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