Amid the chaos and cacophony of downtown L.A., MOCA is a tranquil oasis of intelligence and beauty. Descend the stairs into the sunken slate-and-glass lobby; fluid lines and natural light wash over you. The museum typically houses three exhibits at any one time, and all are inevitably temporary--even, alas, the so-called permanent collection. With more than 20 exhibits a year, MOCA supports all mediums of contemporary art, from paintings to video, dance to design. With an eye for "contemplative contemporary," MOCA exhibits often lean towards the interactive. The space is modest, and a snap to navigate, making MOCA an ideal choice for both lunch breaks and leisurely afternoons. Good thing the calendar is always full of tempting workshops, art talks, and summer concerts, because a taste of MOCA left us wanting more.