Explore the 2026 Schedule of Exciting New Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art Unveils Ambitious 2026 Exhibition Schedule

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has revealed its exhibition lineup for 2026, featuring a dynamic array of commissions, collaborations, and curated presentations. The schedule encompasses themes of performance, environmental inquiry, global modernisms, and the museum’s evolving narrative.

Highlighting the announcement is the exhibition "MONUMENTS," recognized by the Los Angeles Times as “the most significant show in an American art museum right now.” This landmark display, running until May 3, 2026, at The Geffen Contemporary and The Brick, addresses the complex histories and legacies of post-Civil War America. It includes decommissioned monuments, many of which are Confederate, alongside contemporary works created or borrowed for this occasion.

Upcoming Exhibitions

‘MOCA Focus: Diane Severin Nguyen’
Scheduled for performances on February 27-28 at 7:30 p.m. and March 1 at 6 p.m. at The Geffen Contemporary, this exhibition marks the West Coast debut of Diane Severin Nguyen’s performance "War Songs." The project, developed in collaboration with Music Director Laszlo Horvath and a team of 10 performers, scrutinizes how media shapes identity and historical narratives. By reinterpreting anti-Vietnam War protest music, Nguyen connects past resistance movements with contemporary issues surrounding freedom and cultural memory. This initiative is curated by Alex Sloane, with production support from Amelia Charter.

‘Haegue Yang: Star-Crossed Rendezvous’
Running from February 24 to August 2, 2026, at MOCA Grand Avenue, this exhibition will feature the renowned artist Haegue Yang, whose work merges with that of composer Isang Yun. Yang’s installation, "Star-Crossed Rendezvous after Yun," reflects a decade of research into Yun’s political and artistic contributions amidst significant historical upheavals. A unique aspect of this collaboration includes a concert performance of Yun’s "Double Concerto" by the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on March 10, 2026.

Michael Asher
From February 24 to August 2, 2026, MOCA Grand Avenue will showcase a focused survey of 20 works by conceptual artist Michael Asher. This retrospective examines his site-specific interventions that challenge institutional frameworks of art. Asher’s projects often left no physical trace, yet the exhibition will present documentation and other resources drawn from his extensive archive, alongside works gifted to the museum.

‘Good on Paper: Works from the Gene J. and Betye M. Burton Acquisitions Endowment’
Also on view from February 24 to August 2, 2026, this exhibition highlights the significance of works on paper within MOCA’s collection, featuring pieces by notable artists such as Lee Bontecou and John Cage. This showcase celebrates the contributions of the Burton Family, whose support has been instrumental since the museum’s inception.

‘Selections from the Collection’
Opening April 26 and running until September 20, 2026, this exhibition will explore artworks from the 1940s to the 1970s, emphasizing the historical depth and global awareness of MOCA’s collection. Featured artists include Mark Rothko and Piet Mondrian, alongside recent acquisitions.

‘MOCA’s Collection at The Geffen’
This exhibition will run from August 2, 2026, to March 7, 2027, highlighting installations and diverse media from the museum’s collection, reflecting its commitment to artistic experimentation.

Cecilia Vicuña: ‘Quipu of Encounters: The Dream of Water’
As part of the inaugural Eric and Wendy Schmidt Environment and Art Prize, Vicuña’s project will run from November 15, 2026, to June 6, 2027. This collaborative initiative engages local communities to address urgent water issues, culminating in a ritual quipu assembly.

Julian Charrière: Eric and Wendy Schmidt Environment and Art Prize
Simultaneously, Charrière will present his work focused on planetary water systems, inviting audiences to reflect on climate change and environmental degradation. This exhibition will also be available from November 15, 2026, to June 6, 2027.

MOCA’s upcoming exhibitions reflect a commitment to contemporary art that engages with pressing social issues while showcasing the evolution of its collection and the cultural landscape of Los Angeles.