The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), part of Arts UNF at the University of North Florida, announced on May 4, 2026, the acquisition of Jacksonville Stacked Stars, the final major work of sculpture by the world-renowned artist Frank Stella and the culminating piece in his iconic Star series. The large-scale work is being installed in front of the museum at 333 N. Laura Street, transforming Downtown Jacksonville\u2019s cultural corridor with a defining work of American art.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a historic moment for our city and for contemporary art,\u201d said Caitl\u00edn Doherty, Associate Vice President, Arts UNF & Executive Director, MOCA Jacksonville. \u201cJacksonville Stacked Stars was created for MOCA\u2019s 100th anniversary celebrations<\/a> and for our city by the seminal artist Frank Stella. We are thrilled to share this iconic work of art\u2014the final major public work created by the artist\u2014with our city. Its placement in the heart of our Downtown, brings free, daily access to a masterpiece of contemporary art\u2014inviting everyone to experience the power of art in their everyday lives.\u201d<\/p>\n The acquisition was made possible through an exemplary public-private partnership with 90% of the funding provided by more than 50 private donors, including major gifts from Shanna Khan, President of the Khan Family Foundation, Inc., Lauren G. and Edward L. Baker II, and Joan and Preston Haskell, as well as support from the Duval County Tourist Development Council.<\/p>\n \u201cJacksonville Stacked Stars has the power to captivate and inspire, serving as a symbol of creativity and innovation for all who encounter it,\u201d said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. \u201cIts presence outside of MOCA will undoubtedly draw positive attention to Downtown and establish our city as a hub for artistic expression.\u201d<\/p>\n Frank Stella (1936-2024) shaped generations of artists and audiences through radical innovation across painting, printmaking, and sculpture. As the culminating work of his Star series, Jacksonville Stacked Stars represents a capstone to a lifetime of experimentation\u2014now permanently embedded in the fabric of Jacksonville\u2019s streetscape<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cPlacing this work on public view honors Stella\u2019s decades of exploration while expanding access to art for students, families, and visitors,\u201d said Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, Interim President of the University of North Florida. \u201cIt underscores MOCA\u2019s role connecting gown to town, its educational mission as a valued part of the University of North Florida, and our commitment to the cultural life of our city.\u201d<\/p>\n Positioned at the entrance of MOCA in the heart of downtown, the work will anchor the Laura Street corridor with a vivid, sculptural beacon\u2014supporting street-level activity, reinforcing Jacksonville\u2019s creative identity, and welcoming residents and visitors to explore Downtown\u2019s art and culture.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a family, we believe that investing in culture creation can only embolden the strength of Jacksonville and our collective future,\u201d said Shanna Khan, President of the Khan Family Foundation Inc. and CEO of Shanna Collective.\u00a0\u201cAs Downtown Jacksonville continues to grow, Frank Stella\u2019s iconic installation,\u00a0Jacksonville Stacked Stars, strengthens a sense of place and supports the long-term growth that we are committed to fostering in the heart of our city.\u201d<\/p>\n Installation Window: Completion by May 6, 2026Location: MOCA Jacksonville, 333 N. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FLCommunity Celebration: Community Celebration during May Art Walk on May 6, 2026 from 5\u20139 p.m.ABOUT MOCA JACKSONVILLE<\/p>\n