Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Address:	220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Phone:	+1 312-280-2660
Site:	mcachicago.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	Closed 10AM–8PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Shea Munion

Wow I had such an amazing experience here. I went to see the Kerry James Marshall exhibit called MASTRY. It was challenging on a moral and ethical level. I found it to be quite thought-provoking and led me to do some personal reflection on my own understanding of race in America. It challenged me to become more aware of my unconscious biases. I am so grateful and happy that I went to see these amazing works of art. The museum itself is really well maintained and clean and easy to navigate. Also its free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays. Also theres a wonderful farmers market right outside the front door on Tuesdays. The market closes at 2 p.m. I bought some delicious croissants and my sister got some beautiful vegetables. You could easily do breakfast and lunch here on Tuesdays. I recommend public transportation or ride sharing to get here. Parking is not easy or cheap.

Nick Obis

One of Chicagos true treasures: an excellent contemporary art museum with a fine permanent collection -- Francesca Woodman, Kara Walker, Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, Roger Brown, Jim Nutt, Rene Magritte -- and consistently worthwhile special exhibits, including, in recent years, "David Bowie Is," "Kerry James Marhsall: Mastry," "Rashid Johnson: Message to Our Folks," and "Surrealism: The Conjured Life." The MCA is affordable -- only $12 for adults, free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays and usually mellow and not too crowded, making it an oasis in that bustling, congested area just off the Magnificent Mile. Additionally the museum offers terrific events, from film screenings (Exit Through the Gift Shop) to dance (Marie Chouinard), concerts (Eighth Blackbird, Disappears), performance (Manual Cinema, Blair Thomas), and artist talks (Shirin Neshat, Run the Jewels, Sandy Powell).

Brooke Hutchison

I could spend hours at this museum... and I have. Its fantastic. They have exhibitions that are wonderful, but what youd expect, and they also have exhibitions that are amazing and are nothing youve ever experienced. They focus on artists that are modern (as you might have guessed), but they do a good job of having exhibitions that display artwork from artists that youve probably never heard of, including artists that are still living and creating artwork. The curators do an excellent job providing background information on the artists and the theme of the exhibits, and I always leaving having experienced something new - which is saying something because I go there several times a year. This place is definitely worth dedicating some time to.

Rebecca Mongeon

The MCA is a must visit in Chicago, and their continual cycle of great shows merit frequent visits. The large main exhibit is always so impressive and the smaller galleries are well arranged and enjoyable too. Suggested entrance fee is more than reasonable for the experience, and theres discounts for student and the option to pay less if you need to. Theyre not exactly forthcoming about the "suggested" part of it. Id like to see more postcard type options at the gift shop, that was always my go to when I was too broke for anything else, and I still like them. They will sometimes have them for the main exhibits, but never anything else. The book selection is very good, and there are all sorts of fun, creative gifts.

Tim McCoy

I enjoy coming here, depending on the current exhibit. Tuesdays on the Terrace is great in the summer time for some nice jazz. But, can you guys lighten up with the bag awareness? I have been repeatedly annoyed by security YELLING something about someones bags being in front of them or getting too close to an installation. Several times, they yelled at me about my SMALL camera bag being at my side and not my front. Completely obnoxious. At least be a little discreet about letting people know. It cheapens everything when you all just yell. Come on.

Jordan Wilhelmi

Who said art cant be fun? The answer to that will soon be nobody if you just make a trip to one of the First Friday events at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Each a month a different theme and a new reason to go get cultured with some of the best art in the city. I most recently attended this past April where the theme was Apocalypse. Live music, pop-up displays, and endless activities you simply cant get anywhere else during a night out on the town. I highly recommend everyone check out the Museum of Contemporary Art and especially during First Fridays.

Jason Harbison

While I understand that it is art, I really did not understand most of what they had on display here. It is a smaller Museum in Chicago but I would not say that I had the most enjoyable time. I was there during Family day and will admit that I saw some cool things that everyone was doing but as for the art...eh. There is a six hour video of a man digging his own grave. Some people like this kind of art and I bet that I might be able to find an exhibit more to my liking at a later date but that was not what happened this time.

Grace Chung

I visit this museum often as it is in my neighborhood. Contemporary art is more difficult to me than even historic/old art....but it is good for education (especially Saturday Family day event is really cool) and entertainment. These are what I love - even besides the art (art exhibits changes every month to 6 month); - First floor pond with Koi - Cleanness - Store: amazing stuff and good stuff for gift. Even childrens books are unique - Second floor cafe and outdoor garden. Love this garden!!

Ilana Golbin

This museum never ceases to amaze me. The exhibits are expertly curated, and its an interesting place to spend some time even if you are not an "art person". If you are a resident of Illinois, Thursdays are free. The museum also has really cool paid-for events, like "First Fridays", which is a cocktail event the first friday of each month. These are great times to check out the exhibits and have a drink with your friends. Definitely something fun to do to change up your Friday night plans.

Doug Bright

Beautiful space with generally excellent contemporary (not modern) art exhibits. Not overwhelmingly large. Offers free days/evenings on Tuesdays - during the summer that includes an evening jazz show. Subtracting a star for getting kicked out of a film showing 10 minutes into the show because I was standing on the stairs. Manage the crowd so this doesnt have to happen (only give as many tickets are there are seats, then encourage people to consolidate space before the screening starts!).

Jean S.

Chicago is lucky to have such a beautiful museum that showcases beautiful work. This museum features local, national and international contemporary art. Some of the exhibits, like the Takashi Murakami show, are in their first run and are visiting very few places worldwide. Theyre showcasing work thats never been publicly viewed before. Its a once in a lifetime exhibit! Chicagoans should make a point of visiting any Tuesday (free nights) - youll learn something new each time.

Nick Baker

I am no art expert, but I have been to many of the worlds most renowned musuems, and many less renowned, in a vain attempt to culture myself. This was one of the worst run, designed, maintained, and least cohesive I have ever seen. Unless they are exhibiting something you are particularly interested in or live in Chicago, I wouldnt bother. Certainly if you are a tourist in town for anything less than a month there are plenty of other great things to see in Chicago.

jane val

This museum is a little out of the way & one of the smallest museums in Chicago. However, I always find something new & interesting when I visit this museum. The admission is $12.00 (suggested) for adults, however Illinois resident are free on Tuesdays. There is a new David Bowie exhibit (seperate feeof $25) that I am really looking forward to seeing. The museum store has very unique and different items for sale, great for gifts! #CityExperts @GoogleLocalCHI