The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Hammer Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) have partnered to jointly own and manage 260 artworks from the collection of local philanthropists Jarl and Pamela Mohn. Their collection includes sculptures, paintings, photographs, and mixed-media works by Los Angeles-based artists.
The roster of artists includes Diedrick Brackens, Karon Davis, Rafa Esparza, Lauren Halsey, Luchita Hurtado, Arthur Jafa, Tala Madani, Rodney McMillian, Cauleen Smith, Kandis Williams, and Brenna Youngblood, among others.
The joint effort by the three museums is named the Mohn Art Collective: Hammer, LACMA, MOCA, or MAC3 for short. In addition to the Mohns’ gift, the Hammer Museum plans to add 80 of their previously acquired works to the MAC3 collection. Curators from the three institutions also came together to select 16 pieces from a previous Hammer show held in 2023. In total, MAC3 portfolio reached 356 artworks. The shared works will also be available for loan to institutions globally.
Jarl Mohn, former CEO of NPR and E! Entertainment Television, transitioned to philanthropy and art in 2019. Alongside his wife Pamela and UCLA’s Hammer Museum, he presents the Mohn Awards, including one of the world’s largest art prizes, the Mohn Award, as well as the Career Achievement Award and the Public Recognition Award.
The Mohns are also donating $15 to $20 million to museums, supporting annual acquisitions and the care of collections. This funding will enable museums to acquire works by Los Angeles artists through joint curatorial teams.
Mohn’s collaboration is inspired by “PST Art,” a Southern California initiative showcasing the region’s artistic history and cultural contributions through themed exhibitions.
While each museum has previously collaborated with the others on acquisitions, this new triumvirate model marks a significant shift. The institutions are now united in their commitment to supporting local artists. They aim to attract additional donations and inspire further partnerships within the art community to showcase the work of L.A. artists.
