Every corner of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) has a story to tell. One of the world’s largest museums of its kind, the MCA is committed to collecting, preserving, and displaying contemporary art for future generations.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
The museum is located in the heart of The Magnificent Mile, one block east of the iconic Michigan Avenue. This thought-provoking space features exhibitions, performances, and programs by visionary artists, the museum invites visitors to explore contemporary creativity in all its forms.
About the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago first opened in 1967, with a mission of showcasing the works of living artists within the context of our time. Today, the MCA boasts four floors of public galleries and gathering spaces, and its wide-ranging permanent collection spans more than 2,500 individual pieces across a range of media.
Artistic expression fills every corner of the museum — from the welcoming front plaza steps and the sculpture garden to the galleries, the MCA Stage, and even the shelves of the eclectic MCA Store.
Between exploring the galleries and catching a performance, unwind in a space that’s as thoughtfully curated as the art itself. The museum’s Marisol restaurant and bar features innovative flavors from award-winning Chicago chef Jason Hammel. It’s open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Visitors can explore the MCA on their own or dive deeper into the exhibitions with guided experiences. The museum hosts dynamic events throughout the year and private tours are available by advance reservation. There’s no single way to experience the MCA — come curious and let the art guide you.
The collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
In a collection that reads like a living timeline, the MCA houses over 2,500 works tracing the evolution of contemporary art spanning media, movements, and cultures from the 1920s to today.
Visitors may encounter photography, sculpture, painting, video, mixed media, and installation works woven into thematic exhibitions that explore identity, politics, technology, and the environment. This breadth allows the MCA to present a nuanced view of artistic innovation across decades, geographies, and disciplines.
The MCA’s permanent collection includes artwork by some of the most influential figures in contemporary art, such as Andy Warhol, Ed Paschke, Jasper Johns, Francis Bacon, Joseph Beuys, Jeff Koons, and Alexander Calder, alongside relatively recent artists like Kerry James Marshall, Catherine Opie, Paul Pfeiffer, Jeff Wall, and Judy Ledgerwood.
Instead of keeping permanent galleries where the art remains unchanged for years, the MCA integrates its holdings into rotating exhibitions, allowing curators to reframe familiar works in new contexts. This approach keeps the collection alive — responsive to real-world events and shifting cultural conversations.
Learn about current and upcoming exhibitions at the MCA. Alternatively, engage with bygone eras with the museum’s robust online archive of past exhibits from the 1960s onward. A few noteworthy exhibitions of years past include Dan Flavin: Pink and Gold in 1968, Frida Kahlo in 1978, and Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” in 2019.
The museum’s entire collection is available to explore online, offering images and descriptions to make the MCA’s holdings accessible to researchers, educators, and art enthusiasts alike.
Events at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Beyond its galleries, the MCA is a civic space — hosting performances, artist talks, and community events that encourage public engagement. Its programming serves audiences of all ages, from school groups to lifelong learners.
One of the museum’s signature events is Tuesdays on the Terrace, an annual outdoor concert series during the summer that features live jazz and other music performances on the sculpture garden terrace. Free walk-up tickets are available every Tuesday on a first-come, first-served basis.
Throughout the year, the MCA hosts artist talks, bringing together diverse voices from across disciplines to exchange ideas and delve into the many dimensions of contemporary art and culture. From intimate gallery conversations to thought-provoking lectures, these events welcome open dialogue without boundaries.
The MCA Stage, housed in the Edlis Neeson Theater, presents evocative works in dance, theatre, and performance art. These shows often intersect with current exhibitions, creating a layered experience for visitors.
On the second Saturday of each month, from October through May, the MCA’s Family Days program transforms the museum into a playful space where kids under age 12 and their parents create, explore, and connect with hands-on activities. Family Days attendees receive free MCA admission.
Check out the full calendar of upcoming events at the MCA.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago tickets and free museum days
Visitors may buy general admission tickets for the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago online before their visit or at the entrance.
On Tuesday evenings at 5 – 9 p.m., Illinois residents can enjoy free entry. Admission is also free for Illinois elementary and high school teachers with a valid teacher ID.
Chicago residents and all teachers, students, and seniors (age 65+) can take advantage of discounted ticket rates. Admission is free for children and teens (age 18 and under).
The MCA also extends complimentary admission to active-duty military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and veterans along with their families. Valid ID is required.
Through the Museums for All initiative, visitors can show their Link (EBT) card at the admissions desk to qualify for a suggested rate of $3 per ticket for up to six people.
To make contemporary art accessible to everyone, the MCA offers a pay-what-you-can policy. In addition, caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities are eligible for free admission.
Getting to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Located on 220 East Chicago Ave., the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago provides convenient access for visitors traveling from across the city. The main entrance faces Mies van der Rohe Way, situated between Chicago Avenue to the south and Pearson Street to the north.
- By car: Guests can pay to park in the garage just off Chicago Avenue, next to the museum and west of Fairbanks Court. Though the parking garage isn’t connected to the museum, reaching the MCA entrance is easy: After exiting the garage, turn right and head west on Chicago Avenue.
- By bike: Bicycle racks are available in the MCA parking garage on Chicago Avenue and at the intersections of Mies van der Rohe Way with both East Pearson Street and Chicago Avenue. There’s a Divvy bike dock on the southwest side of the museum at the corner of Mies van der Rohe Way and Chicago Avenue.
- By CTA train: Take the CTA Red Line to the Chicago station, then head four blocks east.
- By Metra train: The closest Metra stop is Millennium Station, which is a mile south of the MCA.
- By bus: Riders can take the 3 King Drive bus to the Chicago and Mies van der Rohe stop, the 66 Chicago bus to the Chicago and Mies Van Der Rohe stop, or the 10 Museum of Science and Industry bus (operating only from Memorial Day to Labor Day) to the Chestnut and Mies van der Rohe stop. Check the bus route schedules for additional information.
Accessibility at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
The MCA provides comprehensive accessibility services for people with mobility, hearing, vision, and/or sensory needs. These include:
- free wheelchair rentals,
- assistive listening devices,
- sign language interpretation,
- EnChroma glasses to aid color recognition,
- sensory kits,
- More amenities that support a comfortable museum experience for every visitor.
Learn more about accessibility accommodations at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
