Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
87 Marshall Street
North Adams, MA 01247
(413) 664-4481

Described as "a cultural factory for the 21st Century" and a "permanent work in progress," this amazing facility was rescued from the dire fate of many old New England mill complexes, abandonment, neglect, the wrecking ball and ruin. It is being transformed into a huge, functioning artistic and cultural community, almost like some City of Learning from the Middle Ages. Slated to open in Spring 1999, it is to be a beacon of art and learning, a "multidisciplinary center for visual, performing and media arts," 27 interlinked buildings in brick, wood and glass on 12 acres bounded by the rivers and scenery of the breathtaking Berkshires. There will be plenty of space (over 200,000 square feet) available for performance and exhibitions, as well as bistros, commercial office space and retail shops.

The site began life in 1872 as the Arnold Print and Dye Works, then in 1940 was purchased by Sprague Electric Company, eventually employing 4,000. Though it will be a distinctly modern facility, designed by the respected architectural firm of Bruner/Cott & Associates, every effort has been made to ensure that MassMOCA will integrate high tech amenities with the vital historical and cultural zeitgeist of New England, paying homage to the strong industrial character of the mill.