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Museum of Contemporary Photography

ArtPhotographyClosed · Opens 10amFreeHarrison (CTA Red Line)

Founded in 1976 by Columbia College Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) is the Midwest's only museum dedicated exclusively to the photographic image. Its permanent collection holds more than 17,000 works by upwards of 1,950 artists, from Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans to contemporary international practitioners. Three floors of galleries on South Michigan Avenue host ambitious temporary exhibitions alongside lectures, artist talks and a print study room where anyone can book a free viewing of original works. Admission is always free.

What's On

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

600 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Nearest station: Harrison (CTA Red Line), LaSalle (CTA Blue Line), Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren (CTA Brown/Green/Orange/Pink/Purple Lines)

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Hours

Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
WedToday10:00–17:00
Thu10:00–20:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
SunClosed

Admission

Free

Admission is always free for all visitors.

Accessibility

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.

Nearby

Field Museum

History10 min walk

Shedd Aquarium

Children12 min walk

Art Institute of Chicago

Architecture13 min walk

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), 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 Collection Print Viewings, The MoCP Permanent Collection, Testaments to the Beautyful Ones.
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.

Ajay Suresh via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

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