His assistant, Joseph C. Thompson, decided to stay. Few, if any projects, offer the prospect of making simultaneous and substantial contributions to the world of contemporary culture and to the economic life of an entire region. In the meantime, plans had grown from a small art museum into a contemporary art complex. It was a community effort. It's since produced 14 exhibitions and 80 performing arts events, attracting more than 150,000 visitors.
Outdoor art greets visitors in the main courtyard.
Recycled steel girders, wood flooring, and an elevator spring make up the ticket desk. Some of the 19 galleries have new walls and wood floors. Others have original brick walls and cement floors. One, possibly the largest gallery in the country, is 100 yards long. MASS MoCA also opened a computer center, providing free computer access and skills training.