The museum's iconic staircase was designed to mimic the proportions of a traditional grand foyer while using industrial materials.
The MCA was founded in 1967 by a group of collectors and art dealers who wanted an alternative to the traditional encyclopedic museum model.
It holds one of the most comprehensive collections of Surrealist art in the United States, despite its contemporary focus.
The building features a rooftop garden that offers views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
The museum's 'MCA Stage' program is dedicated to experimental dance, theater, and music performances.
The current building opened in 1996, marking the museum's transition from its original location on Ontario Street.
The institution holds an extensive archive of artist books and ephemera related to the history of conceptual art.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago is one of the nation's largest institutions dedicated to art created since 1945. The museum is housed in a building designed by Berlin-based architect Josef Paul Kleihues, featuring a dramatic floating concrete staircase. Its permanent collection encompasses over 2,500 objects, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and film. The museum frequently hosts large-scale traveling exhibitions alongside experimental work by emerging artists. It maintains a strong focus on interdisciplinary programming, including performance art and artist-led workshops. The site includes a full-service restaurant and a prominent design store on the ground floor. Its architecture utilizes significant amounts of natural light through its glass-walled atrium.
The dramatic, wide concrete staircase in the center of the atrium.
Check the museum's digital calendar for 'MCA Stage' events to pair your visit with a live performance.
Visit the museum's bookstore, which specializes in rare art publications and locally designed goods.
Start your tour on the upper levels and work your way down to experience the building's architectural layout fully.
Avoid skipping the ground floor lobby area, as it often features rotating site-specific installations that are not listed in the standard gallery guides.
Closed on Mondays.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use without flash, but tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.
