Bye Bye MOCA Goldman Warehouse

MOCA Goldman Warhouse, the museum’s satellite branch, located in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood enclave, is officially closing its doors after a four year run.

Back in December of 2005, father and son developer duo Tony and Joey Goldman, who’ve had their hand in fostering growth and revitalization in the Wynwood area for quite some years now, donated the 14,000 square foot space that has since served as storage space to house parts of MOCA’s permanent collection, but more importantly has held 13 group and solo art exhibitions.

The Goldman’s arrangement with MOCA has always been a temporary one, with the developers providing the space, rent-free on a four year lease. The museum declined a three year extension of the lease in part because of the current uncertain economic climate, but also because of planned expansion to the MOCA’s current Joan Lehman building, which come 2010 will double MOCA’s current size, with more gallery and storage space, as well as a brand new education wing.

It’s hard to say what impact this will have on Wynwood as cultural hub; 2009 has also been a year that’s seen important local contemporary art institutions like Locust Projects and a handful of other noteworthy galleries leave the area. Perhaps the bounds of culture in Miami are expanding further out. Only time will tell.

Museum of Contemporary Art: 770 NE 125 St, North Miami; 305-93-6211; mocanomi.org