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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is MASS MoCA? How do I get there? What’s your mailing address/phone number?
A: We are located at 87 Marshall Street in North Adams, Massachusetts. You can find detailed driving directions here. Our mailing address is 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247. Our general information phone number is 413.662.2111; our administrative office phone number is 413.664.4481.

Q: What does MASS MoCA stand for?
A: Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art

Q: Who can I contact about making a donation to my organization?
A: As a non-profit organization that raises money from donors, MASS MoCA does not donate money to other organizations or causes. We are happy to provide gallery passes to be used for raffles, auctions, or door prizes. Requests must be submitted in writing via surface mail, fax (413 663 8548) or email. No phone calls please. And please note that if we do donate passes to you, we don't want you to send us a thank you note. We know you are grateful and would rather have you put all your energy and resources into your good cause then spend time and money thanking us!

Q: Is MASS MoCA handicapped-accessible? Do you have wheelchairs?
A: MASS MoCA is wheelchair-accessible. There is one outdoor exhibit, All Utopias Fell, and one gallery at the end of Building 5 which are not accessible to wheelchairs. We do have two wheelchairs, which are available in the lobby on a first come/first serve basis. There is ample handicapped parking, and we invite all patrons to drop off visitors near the front door. (The site is very large, and the distances—by most museum measures—are great.)

Q: Can I bring my pet to MASS MoCA?
A: Sorry but pets are not permitted in the museum and we do not have a space where you can comfortably leave a pet outside. We recommend Love Your Pets, wonderful, affordable pet-sitting service in North Adams if you would like to spend the day at the museum. Call them at 413 346 7112 or email to reserve a spot for the day.

Q: Does MASS MoCA show work by local artists?
A: MASS MoCA has included the works of regional artists in its exhibitions, including works by Jenny Holzer (Hoosick Falls, NY), Michael Oatman (Troy, NY), Michael Glier (Hoosick Falls, NY), Mark Taylor (Williamstown, MA), Kathy High (Troy, NY), Laylah Ali (Williamstown, MA), Jane South (Williamstown, MA) Gregory Crewdson (Becket, MA), Jarvis Rockwell (North Adams, MA), Mary Lum (North Adams, MA), Peggy Diggs (Williamstown, MA), Joseph Smolinski (New Haven, CT), Leila Daw (Branford, CT), Micah Silver (Cambridge, MA), Jane D. Marsching (Boston, MA), and Kim Faler (North Adams, MA). We do not, however, have a particular "program" designed specifically for regional artists. Many other local galleries do this already, and we do not want to compete with them.

Q: How can I submit my work for consideration by your curator?
A:Our Curatorial department welcomes submissions from artists. However, while all materials will be reviewed by the curators, a response is not possible due to the extremely large number of submissions we receive and limited staff resources (please do not call regarding the status of your submission). In addition to showing works on loan from other museums and collectors, a major part of our mission is to give artists a platform for creating new work. Please follow these criteria to ensure the proper consideration and handling of your materials. Include an artist statement and resume/CV.

  • Depending on the medium, send up to 20 digital images on a CD, or printed images, or up to 60 minutes of time-based work on DVD
  • DO NOT send original artwork, we cannot be held responsible for its safe-keeping.
  • Please note that MASS MoCA is not a collecting institution. Do not send materials for consideration for acquisition.
  • Due to the high volume of submissions received, we cannot return your materials and cannot respond to every submission.

Mail submission to:
Curatorial Department Artist Submissions
MASS MoCA
1040 MASS MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247

Q: How can I submit my work for consideration by your performing arts department?
A: The performing arts department accepts submissions of work samples on a revolving basis. We will contact you if we feel your project is appropriate for a future performing arts season. Please do not call regarding the status of your materials. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to return materials to you.

You may send your materials to:
MASS MoCA Performing Arts
ATTN: Programming
1040 MASS MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247

Q:I am a student doing a project/paper on how MASS MoCA was transformed from a factory to a museum. Can I meet with someone on your staff?
A: We have been inundated with requests for information, so we published a book called MASS MoCA: From Mill to Museum. The book is currently out of print, but there are usually used copies available on-line from major booksellers. We have a small staff and it is impossible to meet with all the researchers who request interviews. You should be able to find a great deal of information about MASS MoCA on our website.

Q: Does MASS MoCA ever offer free admission to its galleries?
A: Unfortunately, as an institution with a large physical plant and a tiny endowment, MASS MoCA must rely on admission revenue to cover the most basic operating expenses. Occasionally we identify a corporate sponsor for a day, but this is not a regularly scheduled event. When we do have free admission we promote it through the local press. There are passes available at most Berkshire County libraries—the local North Adams Public Library has quite a few; which can be checked out for complimentary admission to MASS MoCA’s galleries. Groups are eligible for discounted admission by calling the marketing department at 413.664.4481 ext. 8111.

Q: I do not have a car. Can I take public transportation to MASS MoCA?
A: You may take Amtrak (or fly) from New York City to Albany, where you can rent a car (Albany is a one-hour drive from North Adams). There is one Amtrak train a day from Boston to Pittsfield. While there is no car rental agency at the Pittsfield train station, you can call a cab for the 30 minute ride to North Adams. Bonanza Bus Lines (800.556.3815) services Williamstown (from both Boston and NYC), which is a 10-minute cab ride to MASS MoCA.

Q: Who is your Director? Curator? Public Relations/Marketing Director? Development Director?
A: MASS MoCA’s staff includes Joseph Thompson (Director); Susan Cross (Curator); Denise Markonish (Curator); Rachel Chanoff (Curator of Performing Arts), Sue Killam (Managing Director of Performing Arts); Position is open for Director of Marketing and Public Relations, and Jennifer Thompson (Director of Development).

Q: Where can I stay overnight in the area?
A: There are several hotels in North Adams. The Porches (413.664.0400) and Hotel North Adams (413.663.6500) are within two blocks. Blackinton Manor (413.663.5795) is within a short drive. There are many other hotels in neighboring towns, a listing that is searchable by town is available from the Berkshire Visitor’s Bureau at 800.237.5747 or www.berkshires.org

Q: Can you recommend a restaurant?
You'll find dining info here.

Q: Can I take photographs in the galleries?
A: Yes, photography (without a flash) is permitted in all the galleries. Our policy is to permit photography everywhere. Occasionally a lender will ask that the piece they are loaning not be photographed. In that event we post signs to let you know.

Q: When does the _______ exhibition come down? (or go up?)
A: We try to post exhibition opening and closing dates on our website and to keep them updated, but if you are coming to MASS MoCA to see a particular exhibition you should call the box office at 413.662.2111 to check on the exact opening and closing dates.

Q: Does MASS MoCA allow weddings and other special events?
A:  Yes.  Special events are available to museum members at the Contemporary Circle level or higher.  Availability is subject to conservation requirements and the MASS MoCA program schedule.  Indoor events cannot begin until 2 hours after the museum closes.  For photos and additional information, see Special Events or contact Rebecca Wehry at rwehry@massmoca.org or 413.664.4481 x8157.

 


   
 
 
MASS MoCA
1040 MASS MoCA WAY    NORTH ADAMS, MA 01247    413.MoCA.111 (413.662.2111)    INFO@MASSMoCA.ORG

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