Located one block east of the historic Water Tower in the Streeterville neighborhood, the MCA champions the provocative side of contemporary art and culture. 

Founded in 1967 as a Kunsthalle, or non-collecting art gallery, the MCA is now one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to art. Since our inception, it has been our mission to exhibit new and experimental work in all media, paired with ambitious education programs. In 1974, we expanded our mission to include collecting and preserving contemporary art for future generations with the inauguration of a permanent collection that has grown to include more than 2,000 works. After 29 years in a storefront on Ontario Street, the museum moved to our current location in 1996, giving our collection, exhibitions, performances, and programming room to evolve to  meet the needs of art, artists, and audiences of today

Tuesdays are free for Illinois residents and we are open until 9 pm; we are closed on Mondays.

The MCA also offers FREE admission for youth 18 and under all year long.

Visit website to reserve tickets

Photo: The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago