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Seattle, Washington / Museums

Center on Contemporary Art

A non-profit arts organization in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square, dedicated to advancing contemporary art in the Pacific Northwest through gallery exhibitions and artist support.

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Center on Contemporary Art
www.cocaseattle.org, og_image_www.cocaseattle.org

What is the Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA) known for?

CoCA is a non-profit arts organization that serves as a catalyst and forum for the advancement, understanding, and development of contemporary art in the Pacific Northwest. It offers gallery exhibitions, ShowWalls, an archive, and calls for art.

What are the hours for CoCA?

CoCA is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional hours from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. are available after local World Cup games.

Where is it located?

CoCA is located at 114 3rd Ave S in the historic Pioneer Square area of Seattle.

What is the history of the Center on Contemporary Art?

Founded in 1980 by a group of artists, CoCA is a tax-exempt non-profit that has operated galleries and produced events throughout Seattle to make contemporary art more approachable. Its inaugural exhibition was James Turrell's 'Four Light Installations' in 1982.

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 Center on Contemporary Art, known as CoCA, is a non-profit arts organization located in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1980 by a group of artists, it serves as a catalyst and forum for the advancement, understanding, and development of contemporary art within the Pacific Northwest. The organization is a tax-exempt nonprofit run by a working Board of Directors, operating as an all-volunteer membership organization. Historically, CoCA has provided continuous programming that presents work by both established and emerging artists. Its inaugural exhibition, James Turrell's 'Four Light Installations', took place in 1982 at the Lippy Building in Pioneer Square. Over the decades, the organization has operated various galleries and produced events throughout the Seattle area to make contemporary art more approachable and understandable. As of September 2016, CoCA's most recent location was the Tashiro Kaplan Building in historic Pioneer Square, situated at 114 3rd Ave S. The museum provides a range of offerings including gallery exhibitions, ShowWalls, calls for art, and an archive. It continues to build a supportive and stimulating environment for artists in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit for Thursday through Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to ensure the gallery is open.
  • Check the official website for special pop-up shows and additional hours during local World Cup games.
  • Since it is located in the Tashiro Kaplan Building, explore the other art galleries in the same building for a more complete experience.

Nearby context

CoCA is situated in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, Seattle's oldest neighborhood, javaiding the cobblestone streets and historic architecture of the area's gallery district.

Sources

Evidence and links