Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

The Museum of Contemporary Art is a non-profit organization and museum space located just off the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago. The modest-sized gallery space features permanent and rotating exhibitions, and also hosts special events throughout the year.

The MCA opened in October 1967 featuring installations by Claes Oldenburg and Jan van der Marck, as well as Dan Flavin’s first solo museum exhibition. The Museum of Contemporary Art is widely recognized for the challenging works it features and for the many events and programs that it hosts. Performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art include dance, theater, lectures, and artist talks, all of which take place in the museum’s 300-seat theater. Other activities at the Museum of Contemporary Art include museum tours and a variety of nighttime events, such as the cocktail parties held for young art lovers on the first Friday of each month.

In addition to regular events, the museum offers seasonal or rotating events, including a summertime farmer’s market and special evening performances or gallery openings. The Museum of Contemporary Art also hosts family days, with specialized events intended to teach kids about the different styles and aspects of contemporary art.