In the English language, ‘modern’ and ‘contemporary’ are synonyms. But in the art world, these two words have completely different meanings. To understand contemporary art, we must first decipher the two terms.


The term ‘modern’ within the context of art describes art that was created between 1860 and 1970. Art during this period was more focused on freedom of experimenting with different styles of art and mediums than focusing on traditional art ideals such as realism.


From 1970, the art world was introduced to postmodernism. During this time, technology was advancing and there was an increase in the use of video and performance art. Artists began to focus on creating art in response to the latest trends. This was the birth of contemporary art.


The spirit behind contemporary art is one of inquiry and the powerful combination of different ideas, subjects, methods, and materials that typically challenge traditional art principles. Traditional art relies on organized principles and ideologies. But contemporary art is diverse. It is created today about today.

Contemporary art embraces the audience, so they become an important part of the creation process. This was not always the case before 1970. Perhaps this is what drives the spirit of experimentation and constant questioning in contemporary art.


There are many museums around the world housing contemporary art pieces. Let us explore these museums briefly.


1. The MOMA

Inside the MOMA


New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), opened in 1929. It houses the world's most iconic art pieces from the 20th century to contemporary times. It has had shows such as ‘Out of Time: a Contemporary View’, which showed contemporary art from the Museum’s collection focused on the tensions embedded in recent experiences of time, as expressed in art made in the past few decades.


2. Tate Modern


Inside Tate Modern


Tate Modern is Europe’s most visited modern art gallery and is renowned for its architecture as well the diverse art pieces it houses. It offers art covering the entire history of modern art from the 20th century to modern times. On top of its permanent collection, it offers well-curated free displays, performances, tours, talks, workshops, and exhibitions.


3. Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai (MOCA)


Inside MoCA Shanghai


Founded in 2005, the MoCA Shanghai was the first private contemporary art museum in China. The vision of its founders was to gather excellent artwork from around the world and showcase contemporary Chinese artists. The institution prides itself on being multidisciplinary and has collaborated with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. It has also collaborated with East Asia Contemporary Art Exhibition, which included works from China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. They have also exhibited contemporary art from Hungary, Indonesia, India, and many other countries.


4. Guggenheim Bilbao


The Guggenheim Bilbao


The Guggenheim Bilbao, located in Spain was created by architect Frank Gehry. It draws in contemporary art lovers and tourists alike. Large-scale works are regularly exhibited to include those by Andy Warhol and Rothko.


5. Stedelijk Museum

Stedelijk Museum

Stedelijk Museum


Located in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, the Stedelijk Museum is the Netherlands’ home for modern and contemporary art. It is currently exhibiting ‘Tomorrow is a Different Day’ an exhibition with international artists and designers who are helping shape changes today and tomorrow.


6. MOMAT, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo


Inside MOMAT


Japan’s art scene has fully embraced contemporary art. At MOMAT, you are sure to find masterpieces created by Japanese artists from the beginning of the 20th century. It houses over 13,000 paintings, videos, photographs, prints, and sculptures.


7. The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia


The MCA


The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) houses a diverse collection of art of all forms, including painting, photography, sculpture, and moving video.



8. Today Art Museum

Outlooking the Today Art Museum


Today Art Museum is a private, fully self-funded art museum located in Beijing. It focuses on contemporary artworks of promising local and international young artists. The artwork here is unique and visitors can get a glimpse of sculptures, paper art, and oil paintings.


9. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia


The focus of this museum is Spanish contemporary art. One of the most famous paintings in the museum is Picasso’s Guernica. Also works by Dali and other contemporary artists such as Gris, Miró and many other modern geniuses are worth seeing.


10. National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens

National Museum of Contemporary Art


The National Museum of Contemporary Art was established in October 2000 and is become renowned for collecting and exhibiting contemporary Greek and international art. The rotating exhibitions focus on issues of international contemporary art covering painting, installations, photography, video, new media, and "experimental" architecture.


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