Museum of Contemporary Photography

What's On

Now

Sept

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Jan

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Apr

May

If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground

Over 110 artists from the MoCP collection imagine the years Emmett Till never had, developed with his cousin Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr.: a creative monument to an unlived life.

Now showing10 Sept – 19 DecFree

Testaments to the Beautyful Ones

Eight photographers and six writers document resilient communities across Africa, bridging postcolonial critique with contemporary hope through gender, spirituality, displacement and self-representation.

Upcoming21 Jan 2027 – 16 May 2027Free

Permanent Collections

Collection Print Viewings

Free by-appointment viewings of original prints from the collection. Pick up to 15 objects yourself, or book a docent-led discussion for groups of ten or more; two weeks' notice required.

Permanent collectionFree

The MoCP Permanent Collection

More than 17,000 works by over 1,950 artists: gelatin silver, colour, digital, photograms and alternative processes, from 1930s FSA documents to today. Fully searchable online.

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

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Field Museum

History10 min walk

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Shedd Aquarium

Children12 min walk

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Art Institute of Chicago

Architecture13 min walk

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Adler Planetarium

History19 min walk

Visitor Information

Is Museum of Contemporary Photography free to visit?

Yes, general admission to Museum of Contemporary Photography is free. Admission is always free for all visitors.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.

What are the opening hours of Museum of Contemporary Photography?

Museum of Contemporary Photography is open Monday–Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am–5pm; Thursday 10am–8pm; closed Sunday. Closed on all major holidays, and also closed between exhibitions for installation. Check the museum's visit page before travelling.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is Museum of Contemporary Photography?

Museum of Contemporary Photography is located at 600 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605, United States, in the South Loop / Near South Side area of Chicago. The nearest stations are Harrison (CTA Red Line), LaSalle (CTA Blue Line) and Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren (CTA Brown/Green/Orange/Pink/Purple Lines).

What can I see at Museum of Contemporary Photography?

Free Michigan Avenue museum devoted entirely to contemporary photography, with 17,000+ works and bold rotating shows. Current highlights include If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground, Collection Print Viewings and The MoCP Permanent Collection.

Do I need to book Museum of Contemporary Photography in advance?

Museum of Contemporary Photography is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Admission is always free for all visitors.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.

When is the best time to visit Museum of Contemporary Photography?

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.

Is Museum of Contemporary Photography accessible?

Wheelchair accessible: ground-level galleries with street-level entrances on Michigan Avenue and Harrison Street, elevators to upper floors, and accessible restrooms on the second floor.