I took a class here on Polaroid emulsion. There were only 3 of us. It was hands on. The instructor was awesome. I came home with 3 prints I made. The cost was reasonable. read more

Marin Moca - My prints. - Art Galleries Near Me - Novato, California

While in this new Marin MOCA location another patron began voicing his unhappiness to the woman working there. He was annoyed that the Novato location had closed and that this new site was a mere shadow of that. I perked up my ears; until that moment I'd assumed that this new San Rafael spot was a second outpost of Marin MOCA. It is not. As much as I generally appreciate contemporary art I have to say that the new Marin MOCA leaves a lot to be desired. It 's one large room with a few small rooms and it currently features an exhibit on - maybe - water. There's no signage to tell you what you're seeing but a booklet has been prepared to page through to learn more about the installations. The booklet may as well have been written in a foreign language as it was in no particular order, one had to repeatedly flip through its pages to find something that looked to be what one was standing in front of, the explanations were incomprehensibly long, and of one piece that I could not find a write-up on it was explained to me that "the artist changed the piece she decided to display after the booklet was made". Can we please just go back to some simple plaques beside the artworks that describe the works in language that is comprehensible? The current installation features some interesting components but honestly, one shouldn't have to work so hard to comprehend them. I wish only continual improvements to Marin MOCA in their new digs. I'd like them to stick around but I'd also like them to improve their offering. read more

About the size of a postage stamp, and even though it's free, still not worth it. The old location in Novato was a jewel. I'm not sure what they are attempting here: Tiny and filled with pretty much nothing. read more

Tiny gallery currently showing amoeba like ink drawings upstairs. There is also a gallery with sculptures made out of animal guts. The rest of the AF building at Hamilton AF base is showing art from classes and artists who have their workspaces in the building. The artwork by the artists is residencies is much better than the exhibition and if you go on a weekend, you might even get to meet them! There was also art tables with activities for families on the Sunday I went. read more

See all

Not only does this museum have beautiful work from talented local artists but they also host a free family day for kids and adults to learn a new skill. I loved doing mono prints with the friendly volunteer staff. This place is a true jewel of Marin. read more

See all

Fun Saturday collage workshop-great instructor and friendly atmosphere! Love the creativity and beautiful location. read more

See all

I want to be an artist! I found the exhibits pretty interesting, but I was absolutely enthralled by the Studios-- especially the ones upstairs. What a fantastic location for artists! I had a wonderful lunch at the Bistro just a few doors down, then wondered over here. The folks who work here are really friendly and helpful, and they even suggested I go upstairs to look at the photographic exhibit of the old Airfield. That also was very interesting. I thought some of the modern exhibits were really funny, especially the one with the drainpipe! Don't miss that one. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to rent a studio here. Ah, if only I could paint! After I finished the exhibits, I went and checked out the old theater across the street. I would have loved to wander around in there too. But it was locked. read more

See all

Review specific to the family art days which we have attended a few times with my 4 and 7 year olds as well as with my 8 year old nephew - amazing! Super fun projects and calm relaxing environment for art-making. Great family activity! read more

I've lived in Novato for a long time, and didn't know about this until very recently. It's a small art museum that shows primarily the local artists, but of very high quality. The incredibly beautiful and intimate buildings also host the art studios for artists. I am green with envy here, can you see? The exhibits at the museum changes every 6 weeks, but if you have a chance, make sure to visit the open studio weekend. I think it's in October. You get to walk around the studios, meet the artists, and support them! They also offer art classes, but unfortunately I haven't found anything that suit my artistic interest. I hope they'll expand the offerings. Make sure to visit the gift shop too! Small but great selections at unexpectedly low prices. I am planning to visit every single exhibition at MOCA this year! read more

Marin Moca - Art Galleries Near Me - Novato, California

In Novato on a recent Sunday, I hopped on Yelp looking for a museum to check out. Alas, Sunday is not the greatest day to go museuming - most were closed. Fortunately, the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) was one of the few (only?) museums open when we were around, and we always enjoy a new art museum. This was our first visit to the refashioned Hamilton Field, the location of Marin MOCA, and you couldn't ask for a more pleasant place to house a museum. Hamilton sports an abundance of mission architecture, lovely grass lawns, ancient palms and just a calm, tranquil air on this sunny April morning. The museum itself is free, with a suggested $10 donation. We wandered through the current exhibits on the first floor, and although the museum is fairly small, the rooms are nicely staggered. Honestly, I was a little disappointed as I was hoping for more, and the current exhibit was somewhat subdued and didn't catch our eye as much. The upstairs War Room did house a wonderful exhibit of paintings from a former art museum director. However, the best part of the museum for us was actually the many artist studios on-site. Most of these are on the upper floor, and it was fascinating peeking into the various studios seeing artist workshops of all and various mediums. Many of the artists display some of their works in the hallway, and these were a delight to discover. Ongoing art-related classes are offered as well. Overall, a vibrant art community is housed here, and with changing exhibits and the opportunity to check out numerous art studios it's worth a visit. read more

See all

First time to Marin MOCA since we were close by and it is FREE. It's a small museum dedicated in 2000 in which you only need a minimum of 30 minutes to see it all. There were some artwork by Jamie Brunson - colorful, not sure what it all means. Another exhibit was "Depth of Perception" - 4th National Photography Juried exhibition. Some pretty cool photos. There's some rooms that artist have rented to do their artwork. Tiny office/shop to get jewelry, books, etc. There are separate bathrooms available. There's a Hamilton Cafe Restaurant & Wine Bar next door. Hrs: Closed Mon Tu-Sun 11-4 read more

Marin Moca - Art Galleries Near Me - Novato, California

Who knew there was a small free museum in the middle of Hamilton with two Picassos? Yes, really. Two Picassos. They're not his best by any stretch of the imagination, but still. Even beyond the Picassos, it's a lovely little museum and worth a stroll through. It's very quiet and just an easy visit. Since there's no admission fee, you can just stroll in. There are a few rooms upstairs and downstairs. The whole museum is an easy 30 minute visit. What I found particularly interesting were the artists studios upstairs. One of the artists even let my three year old tour her studio, which was a total thrill for her. It's also conveniently right next door to Beso Bistro, which I love. read more

A great little museum tucked away in Novato on the old Hamilton Airbase property. The museum is a converted bldg housing a Main Gallery, a few subsidiary areas, and has numerous art studios located on two floors. (great collection of artists - all mediums represented - many are very good at what they do!!) There apparently is a lot going on around the place, a featured artist is brought in each month, workshops and classes are offered and a great bistro is adjacent to property(separate owners). read more

Sadly, this museum has front desk staff that do not allow people with appointments into the museum. In fact, they stated they were closed even after viewing our appointment. Not a place worth visiting. They need to be trained in customer service and hospitality.Oh yes and hire art educated individuals. read more

The museum was small. The surprise was the additional buildings full of artists selling art and doing their art. The art was very varied. It's worth walking around. read more

Marin Moca - Front entrance of Museum - Art Galleries Near Me - Novato, California

The museum, housed in a former Air Force base headquarters building. It now is serves as a regional artists studio center and art museum serving local residents, tourists and collectors - with a with a wide variety of programs. From the spring 2018 Nathan Oliveira exhibit,regional and national competitions to a cutting edge exhibit by Marin based artist, Zio Zigler, in the fall 2018, are usually supported with lectures, classes and social activities that add to the quality of life in the area. Admission is usually free except for larger shows and the 40 artist studios in the complex are often open to visitors when artists are there. It's a great place for an "art hit" if you are in the novato Hamilton area off hwy 101 not far from the Ignacio exit. It's also nexBeso Restaurant which often has the art crowd enjoying its Peruvian/American cuisine read more

Although me & my friend are probably the youngest to attend, this art gallery has monthly art shows featuring amazing modern art. Sometimes they even have a silent & live auction to buy the peices. It is free to attend these events and they also provide you with free wine & snacks. They even have a cute little store inside where I've bought the cutest dog ring. read more

WOW...what a hidden gem to visit. Tucked away in Naoto out at the old hamilton base is a wonderous place in where talented artists from all over come and share spaces and make art that captures the sould and the mind. I was transfixed upon the outstanding amounts of joyess artwork with almost all mediums showed together. read more

See all

The Marin MOCA is great. Local artists showcasing their craft, all housed in a really cool Spanish-style building. Check their website for a schedule of events. The annual fundraiser in November is fun - check out the "Art By The Inch." Worth a drive. read more

small museum. very interesting. visiting it was by happen chance. not really planned out. I was in novato for other reason and meeting ended early enough for me to explore museum. read more

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the hidden treasures of Marin County. Tucked away in Hamilton Field, many people have not seen or heard about this center for the arts. Along with an exhibition gallery, there are also artist studios, and art classes offered at this location! You can check the website for more info. Another awesome thing about this museum is it is free! So if you want to get your art fix without driving all the way into San Francisco, you should definitly stop by here and check out their exhibitions, which changed every couple months. There are tons of different events, receptions, lectures, and fundraising events here. read more

So lovable place for who loves art! You can see the artists beside their arts and they explane about every pieces of arts they made. They spend time with you and talks about their work kindly! This a lovely place if you are intrested to arts! read more