Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA), Saint Louis University

04/03/2026

In connection with the 2012 exhibition “The Papercut Haggadah,” we also welcomed attorney Stephen Durchslag for a presentation about what is considered to be the largest private collection of haggadot in the world, numbering some 4,500 volumes dating from 1485 to the present day.

Watch the talk here:

Stephen P. Durchslag draws on examples from his extensive collection to show how the haggadah is a central element of the Jewish experience, a text that sustains both tradition and innovation, and a vehicle for myriad expressions of the Jewish imagination

04/03/2026

MOCRA’s 2012 exhibition “The Papercut Haggadah” featured the texts of the Passover seder given expression in 55 unique abstract papercut pages.

The artist, Archie Granot, and the project’s patron, Max Thurm, spoke to the MOCRA Voices podcast about how Granot was drawn to the art of papercutting, how the commission came about, the special considerations engaged in creating an artwork based on a sacred text, and continuity and innovation in the Jewish tradition.

Check out the episode:

Israeli artist Archie Granot talks about the Papercut Haggadah project and his innovative approach to a centuries-old medium.

04/03/2026

We are happy to share a free online resource from our 2009/2010 exhibition “Good Friday.” The booklet “Reflecting on Good Friday: Meditations on Scripture and Art” brings together biblical passages, artwork, and reflection questions structured around different moments in the suffering and death of Jesus.

03/30/2026

The latest print edition of The University News features MOCRA on the front page. We thank the reporters for their thoughtful and thorough look at MOCRA's final exhibition. Have a read at the link below!

On March 1, MOCRA celebrated the opening of its final exhibition, “Liminal,” which will be on display through May 31 with a final celebratory event on April 19 at 2 p.m.   When preparing for the museum’s opening reception, director David Brinker made final touches to the lighting and set chai...

03/03/2026

A big thank-you to everyone who came out on Sunday to celebrate the opening of MOCRA’s final exhibition, Liminal. The crowd included first-time visitors and folks who have been coming to MOCRA since the museum opened in 1993. Similarly, the exhibition includes works that were in MOCRA’s first exhibition and works by 7 artists who are being exhibited here for the first time.

A special note of appreciation to STL regional artists Janie Stamm, Christopher Schulte, and Steven Heilmer, and contributing curator Jessica Baran, for their presence.

The exhibition continues through May 31. We hope to see you!

photos: Kevin Lowder

02/25/2026

We had a great time yesterday working with artist Janie Stamm and contributing curator Jessica Baran as they set up Stamm’s new installation, “Devotion.” The piece is in dialogue both with MOCRA’s original use as a chapel and with the powerful Adrian Kellard work, “The Promise.”

Both works are on display in MOCRA’s final exhibition, Liminal, from 3/1 to 5/31. More info: slu.edu/mocra

You can also catch Stamm’s solo exhibition, Mermaids’s Purse, opening at on 3/6.