The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago, established in 1967, is one of the largest museums for modern and contemporary art in the United States. It provides a comprehensive overview of art since 1945 and its collection largely chronologically follows the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
The museum's permanent collection of post-war art is representative across all decades, with works from artists such as Francis Bacon, Joseph Beuys, Alexander Calder, Dan Flavin, Jasper Johns, Christo, Claes Oldenburg, Gordon Matta-Clark, and Andy Warhol. The collection also includes works from contemporary artists like Matthew Barney, Andreas Gursky, Jim Hodges, Judy Ledgerwood, Kerry James Marshall, Catherine Opie, Paul Pfeiffer, and Jeff Wall.
In addition to the presentation of the permanent collection, the museum also hosts changing exhibitions. Past exhibitions have featured works by Gerhard Richter, a retrospective of Sigmar Polke, and installations by Tobias Rehberger and Katharina Fritsch.
Art & Design Contemporary art Modern art
#12 Art & Design in United States #9 Contemporary art museums in United States #9 Modern art museums in United States #2 Art & Design in Chicago #2 Contemporary art museums in Chicago #2 Modern art museums in Chicago #2 Art & Design in Illinois #2 Contemporary art museums in Illinois #2 Modern art museums in Illinois
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 21:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
East Chicago Avenue 220, Chicago
Aug 2, 2025 – Jul 6, 2026
Jul 5, 2025 – Jun 1, 2026
Apr 9, 2025 – Mar 30, 2026
Feb 22, 2025 – Sep 15, 2025
Feb 1, 2025 – Oct 20, 2025
May 3, 2025 – Sep 1, 2025
Dec 21, 2024 – Jul 7, 2025
Aug 15, 2024 – Jul 7, 2025
Museum of Contemporary Art has 1 rating.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago offers a dynamic and thought-provoking experience for art enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the city, this institution showcases an impressive collection of post-World War II art, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations.
Visitors appreciate the museum's commitment to presenting cutting-edge and sometimes challenging works from both established and emerging artists. The rotating exhibitions ensure that there's always something new to explore, keeping the experience fresh for repeat visitors. Many guests find the curators' selections to be innovative and engaging, often sparking interesting discussions.
The museum's architecture, with its spacious galleries and natural light, enhances the viewing experience. The outdoor sculpture garden is frequently mentioned as a highlight, offering a peaceful space to reflect on the art and enjoy the surroundings.
However, some visitors note that the museum's focus on very contemporary and conceptual art may not appeal to everyone. Those expecting a more traditional art experience might find some exhibits perplexing or difficult to interpret. Additionally, a few guests mention that the museum could benefit from more extensive descriptions or context for some of the more abstract pieces.
The museum's special events, performances, and educational programs receive positive feedback for their ability to deepen visitors' understanding and appreciation of contemporary art. The gift shop is also praised for its unique selection of art-related items.
While ticket prices are considered reasonable by most, especially given the museum's prime location, some visitors suggest that the size of the permanent collection could be larger for the cost of admission.
Overall, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago provides a stimulating and current perspective on the art world, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in modern artistic expression and willing to engage with unconventional ideas and forms.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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