London is home to some of the world’s finest museums, many of which are free to enter. The Tate Modern, National Gallery, and British Museum attract millions of visitors each year with their vast collections, allowing art lovers to entertain themselves for days without spending a penny.
Now, there’s a new addition to London’s art scene: the Moco Museum. Unlike the city’s major institutions, Moco charges an entrance fee of £20 (as of October 2024), which raises the question: Is Moco Museum worth the cost, or should you stick with London’s free art museums? We visited to find out if it deserves a spot on your London itinerary.
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What is Moco Museum London?
London is now home to the third Moco Museum, following its popular locations in Amsterdam and Barcelona. Known for its vibrant collection of modern, contemporary, and digital art, Moco has already welcomed over 5 million visitors across Europe.
Moco’s mission is all about using art to push boundaries and spark conversation. Their motto, “We use the power of art to challenge the norm, champion the truth, open minds, and question the world around us,” perfectly captures what makes a visit here so special. At Moco, you won’t just see art—you’ll experience something that makes you think, reflect, and maybe even see the world a little differently.
At Moco London, you’ll get to experience iconic works from contemporary art legends like Andy Warhol, Banksy, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Damien Hirst, and Chris Levine. But it’s not just about traditional art—the museum also dives into digital and immersive pieces, with multisensory installations that invite you to interact and engage on a whole new level.
One of the advantages of Moco is its intimate setting. Unlike some of the larger museums in London, you can explore the entire collection, spread across three floors, in just 1 to 2 hours. When we arrived at 10 am, the museum was quiet, giving us the chance to take in the art without the crowds. By the time we left, it was starting to get busier, so we recommend going early to enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Why You Should Visit Moco
One of the reasons we went to Moco was to see the work of contemporary art icons like Banksy, Damien Hirst, KAWS, and Jeff Koons. It’s one of the few museums in London that features their pieces, along with works from other influential artists, and it definitely lived up to expectations.
We enjoyed seeing familiar favorites like Chris Levine and Keith Haring, as well as thought-provoking pieces that made us pause and reflect. We also discovered some new artists, including Robbie Williams, the former Take That member.
What sets Moco apart are the exhibits that go beyond just viewing art. We especially liked walking through the Endless Realities room filled with laser and light effects, exploring Daniel Arsham’s peaceful Lunar Garden, and staring into Anthony James’s Great Rhombicosidodecahedron. These interactive installations on the lower level offer a fresh twist on the traditional gallery experience.
For those who’ve already explored London’s larger art museums, Moco offers something different with its blend of contemporary and digital art. Even if you only have an hour or two, you can easily take in the entire collection. Plus, it’s conveniently located near Marble Arch, making it an ideal stop during a day in the city.
When Moco Might Not Be Worth the Cost
While MOCO has a lot to offer, there are a few reasons why it might not be the best fit for everyone:
If You’re New to London: First-time visitors may want to prioritize the city’s free cultural landmarks like the Tate Modern or the British Museum. These iconic spots offer world-class collections and are musts for any art enthusiast.
If You Are on a Budget: With so many free museums in London, travelers on a budget might want to explore those options first. It can be hard to justify Moco’s ticket price when there are bigger museums are free to visit.
If You Aren’t a Fan of Modern or Contemporary Art: If you prefer classical art or more traditional collections, Moco’s focus on modern, contemporary, and street art may not be your style. For those who enjoy older masterpieces, museums like the National Gallery, the Tate Britain, or the Victoria and Albert Museum could be a better fit.
If You’re Looking for a Full-Day Experience: Moco is a fairly compact museum, and you can easily explore it in 1 to 2 hours. If you want to spend the whole day at a museum, one of the larger institutions like the British Museum or the Tate Modern might be a better choice.
- If You’re Traveling with Young Children: While Moco has some interactive elements, it’s not designed for young children. Those with small kids might prefer more family-friendly museums like the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum.
Should You Add MOCO to Your London Itinerary?
Moco London is a great choice for anyone who’s passionate about modern and contemporary art. With its impressive collection of works from icons like Banksy, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama, as well as exciting interactive installations, it’s perfect for those who are looking for something different from the usual London museum scene. If you’ve already explored the major museums like the British Museum or Tate Modern, Moco is a great way to see cutting-edge art in a more intimate space.
While it’s not free like many of London’s museums, the ticket price can be worth it for those wanting to dive deeper into modern and digital art. The smaller size of the museum means you can easily explore the entire collection in about 1 to 2 hours, which is ideal if you’re short on time but still want a memorable art experience.
If you’re a modern art lover or just seeking something off the beaten path, Moco is definitely worth a stop during your time in London.
Practical Tips for Visiting MOCO Museum
If you’re planning a visit to MOCO London, here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
- Location and How to Get There: Moco is conveniently located right by Marble Arch, at 1 Marble Arch. It’s easy to reach via public transport. If you’re using the London Underground, the Marble Arch station is on the Central Line. For those taking the bus, routes 23, 94, and 139 all stop at Marble Arch as well.
- When to Visit: To avoid crowds, we recommend visiting on weekdays or in the mornings. MOCO’s opening hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and extended hours from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Confirm opening hours for the date of your visit here.
- Booking Tips: It’s a good idea to buy your tickets online ahead of time to guarantee entry and save time when you arrive. If you book through GetYourGuide here, you can reserve your spot now and pay later. Plus, they offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
- What to Bring: Don’t forget to bring headphones! MOCO offers a free audio guide that you can access through your smartphone. We didn’t have headphones on our visit, so just read the information boards, which was fine.
- What Not to Bring: Try to leave larger bags at your hotel if possible, as there is no public cloakroom. However, Moco provides free lockers in the lobby for medium-sized bags, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Just remember that items stored in the lockers are left at your own risk.
Will Moco Be Your Next Art Adventure?
If you’re a fan of modern and contemporary art, consider planning a visit to Moco London. Make sure to book your tickets in advance here to secure your spot and enjoy everything the museum has to offer!
Have you been to Moco or are you planning to visit? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments. If you enjoy museums like Moco, consider visiting Fotografiska in New York for another unique art experience.
-Anisa
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