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Getting Ready for the Big 5-0

Exterior of the MCA, 50th anniversary, 2017

Photo: Abraham Ritchie

This week the MCA staff have been a flurry of action, working with artists and installers to prepare for this weekend's major exhibition opening and our free, two-day birthday party! Here's a roundup of what we've been up to:

Soundcheck with Lykanthea

The electro-ambient musician kicks off our birthday weekend with a set that includes experimental electronica, ritual chanting, dance, jasmine, roses, and marigolds.


Installing Art

Planting the Pentagon

Huang Yong Ping's artwork Pentagon was recently restored—just in time for We Are Here, an exhibition series exploring what is contemporary.

Meow Back on View

After 11 years, we’ve reassembled our most famous cat.

Finding Another Way to Look at a Corner

Our preparators very carefully stacking over three tons of art on top of itself

Huang Yong Ping, Pentagon, 2007. Ceramic, soil, and plants; 19 3/4 × 216 1/2 × 216 1/2 in. (50 × 550 × 550 cm). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Joseph and Jory Shapiro Fund, 2007.1.

Installation of Maurizio Cattelan, Felix, 2001. Oil on polyvinyl resin and fiberglass; 26 x 6 x 20 ft. (7.9 x 1.8 x 6.1 m). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Edlis/Neeson Art Acquisition Fund, 2001.22. © 2001 Maurizio Cattelan

Photo: Abraham Ritchie

Installation of Maurizio Cattelan, Felix, 2001. Oil on polyvinyl resin and fiberglass; 26 x 6 x 20 ft. (7.9 x 1.8 x 6.1 m). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Edlis/Neeson Art Acquisition Fund, 2001.22. © 2001 Maurizio Cattelan

Photo: Abraham Ritchie

Installation of Maurizio Cattelan, Felix, 2001. Oil on polyvinyl resin and fiberglass; 26 x 6 x 20 ft. (7.9 x 1.8 x 6.1 m). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Edlis/Neeson Art Acquisition Fund, 2001.22. © 2001 Maurizio Cattelan

Photo: Shauna Skalitzky
Getting Ready for the Big 5-0 video still

Video

Stacking Chairs

Throughout the weekend, visitors can play chess on the front plaza using old furniture Alberto Aguilar salvaged from our warehouse.

Alberto Aguilar, flip and tip organized chairs at MCA, 2017

Image courtesy of the artist

Hiding Things with Jeanette Andrews

Jeanette Andrews developed a brand-new work for the MCA's birthday.

Jeanette Andrews preparing for Invisible Roses

Image courtesy of the artist