Moco Museum brings contemporary art to London

Lovers of modern and contemporary art have a brand-new destination to get their fix of creativity and inspiration, as the independent museum group Moco Museum has opened its latest flagship venue in London. We visited to find out what you can expect.

It’s not often that a vast new museum or gallery opens in London. There are the enduring favourites that welcome millions of visitors each year – no doubt a few have sprung into your mind already – but in August, a huge 1920s building opposite the triumphant Marble Arch (though it’s currently covered) was decorated in pink, marking the arrival of Moco Museum. The independent museum group already has two locations in Amsterdam and Barcelona, and its new London flagship location is here to shake things up.

Modern and contemporary art is the name of the game, and the inspiration behind the name Moco, of course. Three floors are filled with eye-catching, large-scale creations by icons of the art world including Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Tracey Emin and even British singer-songwriter Robbie Williams. The collection showcases a range of mediums including paintings, sculptures, installations, interactive artworks and NFTs. You’re never sure what to expect as you turn each corner. We’ll try to maintain some of that mystery but also shed some light on what you can expect when visiting…

After your tickets have been scanned and you’ve stowed things in the free-to-use lockers if you wish, head towards the entrance and you’ll come face-to-face with some of Jeff Koons’ monumental inflatables. Beyond those, Daniel Arsham‘s crystal-eroded Porsche Porsche dominates the room but multiple works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama and Damien Hirst line the surrounding walls. The high ceilings and abundant wall space at the London flagship mean that pieces from the Moco Museum collection can be displayed on a scale like never before, giving the iconic artists the space they deserve (and need!). This floor is dedicated to Moco Masters: those who have inspired countless generations, united art lovers and continue to have a global impact with their distinctive vision and creations. It’s the perfect introduction to the museum, warming you up for what’s still to come.

Delicately lit stairs take you from the bright white walls of the ground floor down to the darker basement. This is where things get really fun. Don’t be alarmed by the group of children seemingly mesmerised by the tapestry hanging in front of them – they are sculptures, part of Extinction Annihilation by Jake Chapman. Down here, you’ll hear a rushing sound, like autumn leaves flying across the pavement. It took us a while to realise what it was, since we visited at opening time on a gloomy Sunday, but you’ll likely discover the source of the noise sooner when more visitors are interacting with the sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn. This floor is all about immersion and multi-sensory environments, with 80″ Great Rhombicosidodecahedron (Solar Black) by Anthony James, an NFT by Paris Hilton and another installation by Daniel Arsham. The museum hasn’t been able to display Arsham’s Lunar Garden until now; it can be found in a purpose-built space. Showcasing digital and immersive creations, this floor offers a glimpse into the future of modern art.

Heading upstairs to the top floor of the vast 2,500-square-metre venue, this is where you’ll find the disruptors. From pop culture to politics, no topic is off-limits to these artists who are regarded for their exceptional contributions to art, culture and the wider world. As you reach the floor, a dark l-shaped wall is illuminated by two neon lights by Tracey Emin, sitting opposite a selection of paintings by singer-turned-artist Robbie Williams. There are several verified creations by the world’s most elusive artist, Banksy, and an imposing sculpture by KAWS. Continue towards the back of the museum, however, and you’ll find the first temporary exhibition to be staged at this new venue…

To celebrate the debut of the London museum, legendary performance artist Marina Abramović presents a solo exhibition that cuts through the noise of modern everyday life and invites visitors to pause and find inner peace.

Featuring 12 works from Abramović’s acclaimed series, Transitory Objects for Human Use, she invites visitors to sit or lie down on her chairs and benches, which are adorned with crystals. In doing so, she creates a living performance where observers become participants and participants become observers. A testament to her 55-year explorations of art, spirituality and human consciousness, she illuminates art’s capacity to heal and transform. While the rest of the museum’s collection is a permanent fixture, Healing Frequencies will only be displayed until March 2025.

Address: 1-4 Marble Arch, W1H 7EJ. The nearest stations are Marble Arch or Bond Street.

Tickets: Adult from £16.90; child from £14.90; under sevens can visit free of charge. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Visit www.mocomuseum.com to book

Opening times: daily 9am-9pm. Last entry 8pm.

Healing Frequencies by Marina Abromović is open until March 2025 and is included with general admission.

Images courtesy of Moco Museum unless otherwise stated.

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