Street art in an upscale museum. Moco Museum, Amsterdam
he art that makes it into traditional museums moves slowly, often decades or after the artist’s death. It’s cool to see a privately owned museum that focuses on street art. It probably appeals to a younger demographic than some of the others, even Van Gogh right around the corner.
It’s also surprising to see who makes it in the art world, and who doesn’t – Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Shepard Fairey, Mark Ryden, etc. Moco is dedicated to Banksy’s street art but also showcase art from Warhol and Lichtenstein. I didn’t get the Lichtenstein connection.
1. Things to see
Moco has made its home in Villa Alsberg, a townhouse overlooking Museumplein, so if nothing else its location puts it on equal footing with the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum. The house was previously a private residence, the temporary residence of a priest and finally a law office. The move to a museum of street office has to beat a legal firm. It’s three or four stories and feels a little cramped, it’s also a bit of a shame to see the street art torn from the original place and put in a museum to sell tickets. I’d almost rather just see the pictures of the artwork in the environment they were stenciled in. However, not all are street graffiti, some were painted on canvas if nothing else the museum preserves the work.
If you’re riding around this area, be careful not to drive the tunnel (arch) of Rijksmuseum which results in a 50 euro fine and with few signs to warn tourists. We didn’t fall for it, but I’m sure many do.
Van Gogh is next door so you can visit all three museums if you have the stamina. Unfortunately, some of my favorite Van Goghs are in NYC (MOMA) and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris
Moca makes it fun to visit, with an outdoor sculpture garden where you can climb on the rocking horse, sit on the teddy bear and other Instagram points.
Girl with heart baloon
Banksy
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Banksy
Banksy
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