[2] The construction of the Center was made possible by Dr. Cyrus and Mrs. Myrtle Katzen, who house much of their modern art collection within the building.

Much of Dr. Cyrus and Mrs. Myrtle Katzen's modern art collection is showcased in the museum, which includes over 300 pieces by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Willem de Kooning, and Roy Lichtenstein.

The museum also includes art by Jean Dubuffet, Red Grooms, Amedeo Modigliani, Larry Rivers, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol.

"[9] Other important artists showcased by the museum over the years include Sam Gilliam, William Christenberry, Lou Stovall, Tim Tate, Richard Diebenkorn, Sandra Ramos, Renee Stout, Thomas Downing, Michael Clark, Jim Sanborn, Joe Shannon, Michael B. Platt, and others.

[1] Designed by EYP Architecture & Engineering,[11] the Center is situated on a very long, narrow site abutting Ward Circle.