Chico, CA Art Museum
The vision of the Museum of Northern California Art (monca) is to be a vehicle for communities in the region to experience and create art for the sake of enjoyment, expression, social cohesion, innovation and communication. The museum will improve public perception of art by creating vital educational programs that inspire enthusiasm and increase the quality of life for artists, art enthusiasts and the public at large.
The monca Board of Directors was thrilled to announce that the Butte County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved our lease of the historic Veterans Memorial Hall in Chico on March 26th, 2013. The Veterans Memorial Hall was built in 1927 on the site of what had been John Bidwell’s hay warehouse in the 1880s on the former Tehama County Road. By the 1920s, the road, now The Esplanade, was still Chico’s major northern axis. Two lots just to the south of the Chico Vecino area and opposite the high school were purchased in 1926 from Mrs. Theresa Purdue for $2,500 by the County Board of Supervisors
A prominent Chico architectural firm of the 1920s, Cole & Brouchaud, was chosen to design the building. Their knowledge of the appropriate interpretation of classic elements is seen in this building as well as in several on the CSU, Chico campus (in early Christian-Byzantine Revival styles). The Veterans Hall has remained an integral part of the Chico community since its dedication on Veterans Day 1927
This grand building sits on the Esplanade in close proximity to other museums in the community, and it is a fitting home for monca’s permanent collection and exhibitions. In 2022, the museum celebrated 5 years in the building and we are looking forward to many more.
Reed Applegate Collection / Maria Alquilar Acquisition
Reed Applegate’s inspiring collection of Northern California art, the inaugural monca collection, began with a single purchase in 1964. It was a restrike of a Kathe Kollwitz work, “The March of the Weavers.” Over the next several years, another print would occasionally be purchased or an artwork traded with an artist friend.
The collection has grown to include works of art by over ninety-six artists in a variety of media including paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and ceramics. The vision of the museum is to extend its collection beyond the Applegate gift, not only in size, but also in breadth to include video art, installation art and conceptual art.
Currently on View
The Museum of Northern California Art (monca), located in beautiful Chico, California, opens the door to world-class artworks for everyone. monca’s collection includes paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and photography from nearly 100 artists in Northern California.
Latest News From the Museum of Northern California Art (monca)
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Spell It Out: Running November 14, 2024 - January 12, 2025 CALL FOR ART Deadline to Submit is Sunday, September 29 by 5 pm. The Museum of Northern
