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Museum of Chinese in America

A nonprofit cultural institution in Manhattan dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history, heritage, and diverse experiences of Chinese Americans through immersive exhibitions and public programs.

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Museum of Chinese in America
www.mocanyc.org, website_hero_img_www.mocanyc.org

What is the Museum of Chinese in America known for?

MOCA is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution dedicated to preserving, illuminating, and celebrating the rich history, heritage, and contributions of Chinese Americans. It uses oral histories, video, photographs, and written documents to interpret these experiences.

How much does it cost to visit?

General admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors (over 55), students with valid ID, and visitors with disabilities.

What are the hours for the Museum of Chinese in America?

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Where is the museum located?

MOCA is located at 215 Centre Street in New York City, situated at the convergence of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown, one block north of Canal Street.

Who designed the museum building?

The museum's home was designed by acclaimed architect Maya Lin. The building features reclaimed wood floors, bronze walls, and a 'journey wall' that describes the routes donor families took to the United States.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Museum of Chinese in America, known as MOCA, is a nonprofit educational institution located in Manhattan's Chinatown. The project began in 1980 as a grassroots movement led by historians, community activists, and students who sought to preserve the history of New York City’s Chinatown. In 1984, the museum first moved into 70 Mulberry Street, where it operated using four rooms on the second floor for storage, office space, and exhibits. In 2009, the museum transitioned to its current home at 215 Centre Street. This dramatic building was designed by acclaimed architect Maya Lin, who is also famous for creating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The interior architecture features reclaimed wood floors, bronze walls, and a unique "journey wall" that documents the specific routes taken by the families of museum donors to reach the United States. To bring the immigrant experience to life, MOCA utilizes a blend of written documents, photographs, video, and oral histories. The museum focuses on illuminating the contributions of Chinese people in America and presents the living history of the community through various public programs and educational services. After a period of closure, the museum reopened its doors to the public on July 15, 2021. Situated at the convergence of Little Italy, SoHo, and Chinatown, the museum serves as a vital cultural anchor. It continues to operate as a 501(c)(3) organization, ensuring that the diverse experiences of Chinese Americans are celebrated and preserved for future generations.

Visitor tips

  • Adult admission is $15, while seniors, students with valid ID, and visitors with disabilities pay $10.
  • Plan your visit for Wednesday through Saturday (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM) or Sunday (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM), as there are no public hours on Monday or Tuesday.
  • If you are a researcher, you can access the collections free of charge by making a prior appointment for Monday through Thursday.

Nearby context

The museum is located at 215 Centre Street, positioned one block north of Canal Street between Howard and Grand Streets. It sits at a cultural crossroads where Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo meet.

Sources

Evidence and links