Museum Of Contemporary Art Go-To Guide
Located just off the Magnificent Mile, the Museum of Contemporary Art, MCA, is home to some of the most beautiful exhibitions of our time, from paintings and sculptures, to photography, film and performances. Here, you'll experience art through not only exhibitions and collections, but also performances, educational programs and events like First Friday's, and Tuesday's at the Terrace.
Quick Facts
220 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-2660
www.mcachicago.org
Hours:
Closed: Monday
Tuesday: 10am – 8pm
Wednesday – Sunday: 10am -5pm
Free Admission Day: Tuesdays year round
Holiday Closings: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Box Office
To contact the box office call (312) 397-4095. General Admission is $12, or $7 for Senior Citizens and students with a valid ID.
First Friday's
Head to the MCA on the first Friday of the month for happy hour with a twist. Each month features an exhibition from an up-and-coming local artist. You'll enjoy a cash bar, Wolfgang Puck appetizers, live music and the iMac G5 digital dating bar. Ages 21 and up.
Time: 6pm – 10pm
General Admission: $18
Advance Tickets: $13
MCA Members: $10
MCA Stage
Throughout the year, the MCA Stage has a variety of dance and music performances. To subscribe to the season, contact the Box Office. If you're looking for upcoming performances visit mcachicago.org.
Parking & Transportation
MCA Parking Garage
Adjacent to the museum on Chicago Avenue.
*Note: you must validate your parking ticket at the admission desk in order to receive the discounted rate.
Rates:
Less than 30 minutes: $6
30 Minutes – 1 Hour: $14
1-2 hours: $19
2-3 hours: $22
3-8 hours: $24
8-12 hours: $27
12-24 hours: $32
Early Morning Special: in by 9am and out by 6pm, $16
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): Many bus routes will take you to the MCA, as well as the Chicago Red Line. For more information, visit www.transitchicago.com
Suburban Train (METRA): Train rides are available from most Chicagoland area suburbs. For more information and train schedules visit www.metrarail.com.
Dining
Pucks at the MCA
220 East Pearson, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 397-4034
Wolfgang Puck and the MCA teamed up to create a full-service restaurant and express counter located in the MCA. Chef Rick Munoz features Mediterranean and Asian inspired cuisine with items such as pan seared scallops, smoked salmon pizza and prime sirloin burgers. Open for lunch Tuesday – Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Fred's at Barney's
15 E. Oak St., Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 596-1111
www.barneys.com
Located on famed Rush Street just blocks from the MCA, Fred's offers delicious fare and beautiful views of the Gold Coast neighborhood and Lake Michigan. During the city's warmer months, you may also enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace.
Gino's East
162 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266 – 3337
www.ginoseast.com
If you're looking for a Chicago-style pizza, Gino's East is the perfect spot. Choose from a variety of deep-dish pizzas, pastas, Italian sandwiches and more. There's something for just about everyone.
Samantha McCarthy is a born and bred editor in downtown Chicago.