Saint Louis University’s Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) is the world’s first interfaith museum of contemporary art that engages religious and spiritual themes.
MOCRA is dedicated to the ongoing dialogue between contemporary artists and the world’s faith traditions, and to serving as a forum for interfaith understanding. In a time when religion is viewed by many in exclusive ways, MOCRA intends to be inclusive and embracing, a center for healing and reconciliation.
For over 35 years, the Fusz Memorial Chapel was used by Jesuits studying philosophy at Saint Louis University, but in 1990 the Jesuits relocated to smaller residences near the campus. In 1991 the chapel was adapted for use as a museum devoted to the presentation of contemporary religious art. A thoughtful renovation made the chapel a suitable and noteworthy space for displaying art while honoring the original purpose and architecture of the building. Since then, the museum has mounted dozens of exhibitions involving more than 200 artists.