Art on State
Written by Miles VaranaPhotography by Calder Sell
- It’s free!
UW students know it: free stuff is the best stuff. The promise of free pizza is what keeps many of our clubs and extracurricular groups operational, and free beer always tastes better, even (especially) Hamm’s. Free, world-renowned art is no exception to this rule.
- The exhibitions feature big names, but also local artists.
MMoCa offers a diverse viewing experience, from the typical museum fare of dead white guys (Warhol, Lichtenstein) to art created by UW-Madison professors and alumni (TL Solien, Frances Myers, Warrington Colescott). Coming soon: Frida Kahlo’s Pitahayas.
- You should really get off campus more, anyway.
And going to Plaza once a week doesn’t count. It’s easy to get caught up in the sights and smells of campus and forget about the weird, thriving city that exists outside UW’s institutional boundaries.
- You’ll seem smarter.
You know sweater vests? After a trip to MMoCA you’ll finally be able to pull off sweater vests, which are best worn when one is waxing philosophical over a cup of wop about the problematic nuances of the feminine form in the work of the Chicago Imagists (on view now in MMoCA’s Henry Street Gallery.) And take it from us, talking about art is sexy.
- There are tons of events.
Next time you’re bored on a Friday or Saturday night, check MMoCA’s page on Facebook to see if anything’s happening--chances are, the answer is yes. Every month, MMoCA hosts gallery openings, artist talks, and rambunctious Madison favorites like Hair Affair and Chroma.
- Grab dinner and drinks at Fresco while you’re there.
Fresco, Food Fight’s flagship restaurant, is located on the museum’s rooftop. They’ve got great (expensive) food and strong (expensive) drinks, and offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Just make sure to wear your Sunday best.
- It’s (definitely) good enough for the Gram.
From the galleries, to the scenic open-air rooftop, to the Icon Staircase (designed by César Pelli, best known as the visionary architect behind Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers), MMoCA offers some of the best selfie spots in Madison.
