The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) is Brooklyn's first and only contemporary art museum dedicated to the art and culture of Africa and its diaspora. MoCADA celebrates the cultural breadth of the African diaspora by connecting the intersectional experiences of African people worldwide through the lens of art, education, and advocacy. The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, inevitably acronymed into “MoCADA,” occupies a very small exhibition space on the ground floor of the James E. Davis Arts Building in downtown Brooklyn. Twenty-five years later, MoCADA is more than a museum.
MoCADA's mission is to place the contemporary art and artists of the African Diaspora at the center of the global cultural conversation. It instills a sense of pride through representation and access to the arts while delivering on our promise for cross-cultural exchange and other life-sustaining resources. MoCADA provides a vital platform for artists to share their perspectives and for the community to engage with diverse narratives.
MoCADA has become a cornerstone of Brooklyn's cultural landscape, fostering dialogue and understanding through its exhibitions and programming. The museum’s commitment to showcasing relevant and timely themes ensures that each visit offers something new and thought-provoking. Its intimate size and focus on community engagement make it a unique and accessible cultural institution.
Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, MoCADA offers a compelling glimpse into the vibrant and evolving world of contemporary Black art. Visitors consistently praise MoCADA for its impressive and chic space, showcasing vibrant art with an 'ethnic soul.'
MoCADA's exhibits change frequently, often every 6 weeks to 2 months. The museum is noted for its intimate size, making it easy to explore, and its friendly, informative staff who often provide engaging tours.
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The staff here is super friendly, they gave me a tour of the museum. It’s a small museum so you can see everything in less than 20 minutes. I saw an exhibit by an artist who does beaded work. All his art is made from beads and it’s so pretty and cool.
Many appreciate the diverse perspectives presented in the exhibits, which often feature local artists and themes relevant to the Black diaspora and movements like Black Lives Matter.
MoCADA is back and more ambitious than ever. The institution's annual gala lit up the San Francisco Ferry Building, fusing glamour, purpose and cultural pride in one unforgettable night. MoAD’s Annual Diaspora Dinner Join us on May 10th as MoAD and The St. Regis San Francisco present an evening of African diasporic cuisine, live music, and conversation.
Stay current on all things MoCADA. MoCADA celebrates 25 years! Visit MoCADA Culture Lab II, our flagship gallery space in the L10 building just above the Plaza at 300 Ashland Place.
Exciting changes are coming to MoAD! In 2025, we will temporarily close to the public from March through September to renovate and upgrade our interior spaces and galleries. During this period, we’ll continue hosting off-site programs and events in collaboration with our local partners. Join us in October 2025 as we reopen and celebrate our 20th anniversary!
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The MoCADA Board provides leadership in the development of economic and community resources to support MoCADA’s mission. The MoCADA Board of Directors is searching for people that love cultural evolution as much as we do. Have an impact on the lives of thousands of people across the African Diaspora, while collaborating with a powerful and progressive group. Interested in joining?
History and Evolution
Born in 1999, MoCADA grew from the graduate thesis of our founder Laurie Angela Cumbo on the feasibility of an African art museum contributing to neighboring communities. MoCADA was born in a Bedford-Stuyvesant brownstone owned by the Bridge Street AMWE Church in the Central Brooklyn section of New York City. Quickly growing into an arts incubator, in 2006 MoCADA relocated to a space on the ground floor of the James E. Davis 80 Arts Building within the BAM Cultural District (community-defined as the Bogolan District), designed by the architectural firm of studiosumo.
In 2006, MoCADA moved to its current home, an expanded space at 80 Hanson Place, at South Portland Avenue, in Fort Greene, a historically black middle-class neighborhood in Brooklyn which is home to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) arts district. For nearly two decades, this historical, community space has afforded over 100 groundbreaking artists across 20+ countries have looked to and were greatly supported by MoCADA to delve deeper into their artistic practice at the museum. To celebrate this rich legacy of cultural programming and trailblazing initiatives that has empowered generations of diverse creators, the revolutionary 80 Hanson space gallery, shop and office is being repurposed to house expanded programs dedicated to our community’s personal, cultural, and professional growth.
The special project, which was Initiated by Former Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), and managed by the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) within the building developed by Two Trees, will house four independent, Brooklyn-based arts organizations including 651 Arts, BAM, Brooklyn Public Library, and MoCADA across four floors of the cultural condominium.
In 2018 MoCADA extended programming to Governors Island as part of the Trust for Governors Island's annual arts residency program. As a cultural organization in residence, MoCADA occupies a 5k sqft house in the Nolan Park area which we call MoCADA Abolition House.
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In 2014, now-city councilmember Laurie Cumbo designated $1.4 million, her largest capital budget allocation, to MoCADA, which she founded and directed before winning a position on city council. This was matched by the same amount of money in the city's executive budget for the 2015 fiscal year.
Exhibitions and Programs
MoCADA features many interesting art shows. These shows often feature contemporary artists who use their work to explore themes of identity, history, social justice, and cultural heritage. Recent exhibitions have included "Surrealism and Us: Caribbean and African Diasporic Artists since 1940," which examined the influence of surrealism on Black artists. The museum's commitment to showcasing emerging and established artists ensures a fresh and engaging experience with each visit.
One example was Saying No: Reconciling Spirituality and Resistance in Indigenous Australian Art. The "Saying No" exhibition showed how Indigenous Australian artists use modern art to share their identity and culture. It also highlighted their protests against racism and unfair treatment. The exhibition included different types of art, like sculptures, paintings, photos, videos, and mixed media works.
The exhibition I saw at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts was called “Styles of Resistance: From the Corner to the Catwalk,” and looked at African American street fashion from the 1980s until roughly today. Given the tiny space, the show was necessarily a very, very, very broad overview of hip hop fashion, along with associated art, personalities, and protest.
Our community garden is an outdoor extension to our programming, is dedicated to art, wellness, and climate justice. As a green space, visitors of all ages are invited to learn about the flowers in our garden, explore our permanent public art installation and new murals, attend workshops and special events, and so much more.
Beginning June 20, 2025, MoCADA, in partnership with local small businesses, will offer sweet and savory bites, coffee, tea and other favorite drinks from across the African diaspora. Located right in the heart of Fort Greene, MoCADA Cafe is where culinary arts meets the visual arts, and the perfect venue to gather or work remotely. Ubuntu Garden was created as a safe haven where visitors can leave the concrete jungle behind to rest and recharge within our community green space. Visit us during open season.
MoCADA will not be on Governors Island for the 2025 season.
Community Engagement and Outreach
In 2012, the museum received a $100,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. This money helped fund a two-year program called "Public Exchange." This program brought monthly concerts to public spaces in NYCHA housing areas in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. These included places like Walt Whitman, Ingersoll, and Farragut.
In 2013, MoCADA started another art performance series called "Soul of Brooklyn." This series featured block-party style events.
For those passionate about contemporary art and cultural exploration, MoCADA is a gem. Its curated exhibitions consistently feature compelling works by artists from the African diaspora, offering fresh perspectives and challenging dialogues. Expect to see a range of artistic expressions, from traditional mediums to innovative installations. The museum's commitment to showcasing relevant and timely themes ensures that each visit offers something new and thought-provoking. Don't miss the chance to engage with the knowledgeable staff who can enrich your understanding of the art.
Visiting MoCADA
MoCADA is located on the 2nd floor of the L10 building at 300 Ashland Place, Brooklyn. It's open Wednesday through Sunday. Confirm hours before your visit as they can vary.
MoCADA is located at 10 Lafayette Avenue, 2nd floor, within the L10 building at 300 Ashland Place, Brooklyn. You can reach it via various subway lines, including the C and G trains to Lafayette Ave, or the A, B, C, D, E, F, G, N, Q, R, W, 2, 3, 4, 5 trains to Atlantic Terminal/Barclays Center, followed by a short walk. Yes, MoCADA is easily accessible by public transport. Several subway lines stop nearby, making it convenient to reach from different parts of NYC.
General admission is $11. MoCADA offers discounts for students, seniors, children, EBT cardholders, and individuals with disabilities.
MoCADA is a smaller museum, so most visitors can see the current exhibits in under an hour, typically around 20-30 minutes. This makes it a great option for a quick cultural stop. MoCADA focuses on contemporary art that represents issues of the African diaspora. Exhibitions feature a range of mediums and themes, often highlighting Black artists and their experiences.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect during your visit:
- Culture Lab II: This is the main spot with art galleries, a place for performances, a gift shop, and a cafe.
- Ubuntu Garden: This is a community garden and outdoor art space.
- Abolition House: This is a special place on Governors Island where artists can live and create art for a season.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to check for signage within the museum or ask staff if photography is permitted. Visitors have reported positive experiences with guided tours, with staff being knowledgeable and inspiring. Inquire at the front desk upon arrival about tour availability.
MoCADA itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, its location in Brooklyn means there are numerous dining options nearby, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants.
MoCADA can be a wonderful outing for families. The museum's focus on diverse narratives and often visually engaging art can capture children's attention. Some exhibits have even featured art created by local children, which can be particularly inspiring for young visitors.
If you're visiting NYC and looking for a unique cultural experience beyond the major Manhattan institutions, MoCADA in Brooklyn is an excellent choice. Its accessible location and manageable size make it perfect for a focused art visit. Combine your trip to MoCADA with exploring other Brooklyn attractions. The museum offers a concentrated dose of contemporary African diasporan art, providing a memorable cultural stop that's easily integrated into a day of sightseeing.
Here's a summary table with key information for planning your visit:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 300 Ashland Place, Brooklyn, NY |
| Accessibility | Accessible via multiple subway lines |
| Admission | $11 (discounts available) |
| Hours | Wednesday through Sunday (confirm before visiting) |
| Visit Duration | 20-30 minutes (on average) |
In reviewing nearly 200 museums for this project I honestly thought I’d seen it all in museums, But I don’t believe I’ve been to another museum that features hand-written wall texts. It was surprising how personal I found it. On the other hand, the handwritten texts meant there weren’t many texts at all, which left me lost. On the positive side, I’m open to an exhibition that errs on the side of showing not telling. I did not see a single “do not touch” sign in the whole space. Not that I think touching was encouraged. And I liked some aspects of the makeshift space.
The history & mission of the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA)
The museum’s limited space and resources also meant it ducked some of the things that this topic needs to address. There was a kimono by Studio 189 included among the garments on display. Why a kimono? And is that okay? The exhibit made me think about that, but it certainly didn’t give me context or information or a point of view. MoCADA has a distinct voice to it, but at the moment a very small space. That may change. MoCADA is set to move to a fancy new space in a fancy new building in the near future. Gentrification silver lining or a co-opting of a community institution by wealthy real estate forces? You decide.
