Museum of Contemporary Art – Chicago

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA Chicago) specializes in collection & special exhibitions with an emphasis on living artists. Our permanent collection includes visual art, painting, sculpture, photography, video/film & performance from 1945 to the present with a strong focus on surrealism, minimalism, conceptual photography & work by Chicago-based artists. These works are used to create rotating thematic exhibitions by artists such as Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Chuck Close, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, Ed Ruscha & Jeff Koons. In addition to our gallery space we offer performances in our 300 seat theater, a contemporary design store and gift-shop, the Marisol restaurant and counter & a terraced sculpture garden with an incredible view of Lake Michigan.

History

Established in 1967.

October 1967-The MCA opened its doors to the public in a newly renovated one-story building at 237 East Ontario Street. 1978-Frida Kahlo’s first solo museum show in the United States opened. 1988-Jeff Koons’s first solo museum show is exhibited. 1996-The new MCA opened with a 24 hour summer solstice public preview with over 25,000 visitors. 1998-The most comprehensive exhibition of Cindy Sherman’s work is exhibited. 2002-MCA Curator Francesco Bonami was named Curator of the 2003 Venice Biennale. 2003-Kerry James Marshall presents five years of new work. 2004-With About Face Theatre, the MCA produces I Am My Own Wife, the first ever retrospective of Lee Bontecou at the MCA. The show traveled to NYC and won a Pulitzer Prize and two Tony Awards. 2006-ANDY WARHOL/SUPERNOVA: Stars, Deaths, and Disasters, 1962-1964 brings enormous crowds to the MCA’s galleries. 2007-MCA celebrates 40th anniversary with 40 free days. 2008-Jeff Koons’ largest retrospect to date held at MCA.