One of the nation’s largest facilities devoted to the art of our time, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) offers exhibitions of the most thought-provoking art created since 1945. The MCA documents contemporary visual culture through painting, sculpture, photography, video and film, and performance. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the MCA boasts a gift store, bookstore, restaurant, 300-seat theater, and a terraced sculpture garden with a great view of Lake Michigan.
Mission Statement
The mission of the MCA is to be an innovative and compelling center of contemporary art where the public can directly experience the work and ideas of living artists, and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time.
The Museum boldly interweaves exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs to excite, challenge, and illuminate our visitors and to provide insight into the creative process.
The MCA aspires to engage a broad and diverse audience, create a sense of community and be a place for contemplation, stimulation, and discussion about contemporary art and culture.
Acknowledgements and Credits
The MCA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization accredited by the American Association of Museums. The MCA is generously supported by its Board of Trustees; individual and corporate members; private and corporate foundations; and government agencies including the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Museum capital improvements are supported by a Public Museum Capital Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Chicago Park District generously supports MCA programs. Air transportation is provided by American Airlines.
Copyright Information
Permission for reproduction of text or images must be obtained by contacting the Rights and Images department (see staff directory). Unless otherwise noted, all copyright to web site photographs are held by the MCA. Copyright to the underlying artworks are held by the artists and/or their estates.
Participation in any of the MCA’s programs constitutes an agreement by the participant and/or the parent or guardian to authorize the MCA to photograph or film participants and/or their artwork from time to time, without compensation, for possible use in publicity, website, and marketing efforts.
MCA Library
The MCA Library is a non-circulating, research library that serves the MCA staff, members, interns, volunteers, and scholars. The collections focus on modern and contemporary art, with an emphasis on Chicago-area institutions and artists, and include historical records of the MCA. Researchers may make an appointment to visit the library by e-mailing a request to library@mcachicago.org.