Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

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Chicago Works | Mike Cloud: Worldless Obstruction

A new series by the Chicago-based painter, juxtaposing emotions and introducing a flexible structure to his foldable paintings.

Now showing2 May – 7 Feb 2027$22

Atrium Project: Celeste Rapone

The Chicago painter's large-scale Sideline (After Ben Shahn) fills the two-storey entrance atrium: four languid women, limbs entwined, waiting for something that never comes.

Now showing27 Jun – 20 Jun 2027$22

Kenzi Shiokava

The artist's first solo museum exhibition gathers over 50 sculptures from five decades: abstract totems carved from wood, and box assemblages of toys, dried plants and stones.

Now showing27 Jun – 31 Jan 2027$22

From the Center: Looking at Lucy Lippard

Spanning three floors, this exhibition explores the far-reaching impact of art historian, critic and curator Lucy Lippard through themes found in her work.

Now showing1 Aug – 11 Jul 2027$22

Slow Dance

Six artists reclaim forms of slowness that resist the contemporary demand to constantly perform, across painting, sculpture, video and live performance.

Now showing12 Sept – 14 Mar 2027$22

Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers

More than 70 works span the Chicago-born artist's career, from his New Negro Escapist Social and Athletic Club photographs to the Anxious Men and Broken Men series.

Now showing7 Nov – 25 Apr 2027$22

Permanent Collections

The MCA Collection

Thousands of post-1945 works (Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, Alexander Calder) shown in rotation rather than fixed displays, and browsable in full online.

Permanent collection$22

The Kleihues Building and Sculpture Garden

Josef Paul Kleihues's cast-aluminium and limestone museum, completed June 1996, stands deliberately against the surrounding glass towers; its terraced garden faces Lake Michigan.

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

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Richard H. Driehaus Museum

Architecture7 min walk

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Chicago Architecture Center

Architecture13 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago cost?

Standard adult admission to Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is $22. Chicago residents $19 adult / $10 students, teachers and 65+; non-residents $22 adult / $14 concession. Free for anyone 18 and under, Illinois teachers, visitors with disabilities and a caregiver, veterans and active military, police and fire, and MCA members. Free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays 5-9 pm.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.

What are the opening hours of Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago?

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is open Tuesday 10am-9pm; Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm; closed Mondays. Closed Thanksgiving Day (26 Nov 2026), Christmas Day (25 Dec 2026) and New Year's Day (1 Jan 2027). Illinois residents enter free on Tuesdays 5-9pm.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago?

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is located at 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, United States, in the Near North Side / Streeterville area of Chicago. The nearest stations are Chicago (CTA Red Line) — four blocks west, Grand (CTA Red Line) and CTA bus routes 3, 10 and 66.

What can I see at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago?

Kleihues's limestone fortress off Michigan Avenue, where art made in your lifetime gets four floors and a stage. Current highlights include The MCA Collection, Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers and Atrium Project: Celeste Rapone.

Do I need to book Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.

When is the best time to visit Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.