Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland

This landmark four-story structure appears as an inventive massing of eight geometric facets, all sloping at various angles, all coming together to create a powerful abstract form. Clad primarily in mirror-finish black Rimex stainless steel, the façade of the new MOCA reflects its urban surroundings, changing in appearance with differences in light and weather.

An entrance atrium leads to the lobby, café, and shop, and to a double-height multi-purpose room for public programs and other events. From here, visitors may take the staircase – itself a monumental sculptural object – or an elevator to the upper floors.

In order to achieve maximum flexibility for the museum’s diverse exhibitions, the main gallery occupies the building’s top floor and features moveable walls that enable the 6,000 SF space to be divided into a variety of configurations. This floor also houses a gallery designed specifically for new-media work and a lounge with a view of the city.

The third floor, home to MOCA’s administrative offices, includes spaces for classes, lectures, and other educational programs, while the second floor houses both exhibition workshops and a 1,500 SF public gallery for more intimately scaled exhibitions.