Museum of Bad Art, Massachusetts, United States
4.0 (41 reviews) This location was reported permanently closed Spent < 1 hour Ranking #8 in Somerville Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Definitely worth a visit!
The Museum Of Bad Art (MOBA) is a unique institution that offers lively, fun, socially-distanced programs. MOBA brings a light hearted look at the world of museums, while raising important questions about the perception, appreciation, and valuation of art. Our gallery, inside the Dorchester Brewing Co. exhibits some of the works in our collection. Admission is free!
Address
55 Davis Sq Basement of SOMERVILLE THEATER Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA 02144-2908
Mobile
Website
http://www.museumofbadart.org
Current local date and time now
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 22:35
User Ratings
4.0 based on (41 reviews)
Excellent
39%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
7%
Terrible
10%
Reviews
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4CamwynCwru 5:00 PM Sep 25, 2016
I really need to go back here.
This is a solid experience of awful, awful paintings treated with the same respect and dignity given to more conventionally appealing works of art. I am not kidding about the awful paintings. We're talking the kinds of things that don't sell at garage sales here- they find a home at the Museum of Bad Art. Just be aware that it's in the basement of the Somerville Theatre movie house around the corner from the bathrooms, or you might not find it otherwise. It makes for a hilarious pit stop while you wait for the bathroom line to die down.
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4Paula W 5:00 PM Apr 20, 2015
Just enough bad art
The Museum of Bad Art is located in the basement of the Somerville Theater in Davis Square, across from the restrooms. It's only one room, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up in tastelessness. I don't think I could have handled any more bad art in one visit. I've only visited the museum when I'm already at the theater to see a movie, so I didn't realize you need to buy a ticket to see this bad art. The museum is a great add-on to the movie experience, especially if the movie was really bad or very sad -- The Museum is always good for a laugh. It's also a great place to meet if you're waiting for someone to join you at the theater (or to come out of the restroom). There is some turnover in the art, and the commentary is hilarious. It makes me look at my own artwork in a new light ... and wonder whether I should donate some of it! I'd recommend the museum for teens or kids 12 and up but not young children, as the space is small and some of the bad art is mind-blowingly bad in its treatment of gender and social issues. The museum also offers some instruction on what is NOT bad art. For example, did you know that a velvet Elvis painting is actually not bad art? On the way out, buy some popcorn ... Some of the best movie popcorn in Massachusetts. The theater also sells beer, ice cream, and movie candy. I don't know if you can bring it into the museum, though.
