Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago – tickets, prices, timings

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Visitor in Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to contemporary art. 

With over 2,500 works in its permanent collection and dozens of exciting exhibitions each year, visitors enjoy the thrilling world of modern art and design.

It is your one-stop shop for all things arty in Illinois, with painting, sculpture, graphic design, photography, film, theatre, music, and performance art.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

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# Museum Of Contemporary Art’s tickets

What to expect at Museum of Contemporary Arts

“A museum of contemporary art is different from the general art museum where the values of the past are enshrined. Instead, it is a place where new ideas are shown and tested.”-Essay by Museum of Contemporary Arts founders.

Discover the thoughts and works of artists of our present world and get insight into the cultural, social, and historical background of contemporary society.

Explore photography, sculpture, textiles, music, cinema, theatre, and more at this museum that is reinventing the definition of a gallery.

Witness large-scale sculptures of Jeff Koons, immersive visual installations of Yayoi Kusama, expressionistic works of Mark Rothko, and contemporary artists such as Jenny Holzer, Banksy, and Anish Kapoor, amongst many others.

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Where to book tickets

Tickets for MCA Chicago are available online and at the attraction.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters. 

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work

Visit the booking page for the Museum of Contemporary Arts Chicago, select your travel date and the number of tickets, select the time slot, and make the booking.

Once you complete the booking process, the tickets will be mailed to you.

You do not need to carry printouts.

Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in. C

Please carry a valid ID.

Museum of Contemporary Art Ticket Prices

For entry to the Museum of Contemporary Arts, an adult ticket for all ages 19 and above costs €21.

Entry is free for all ages up to 18.

Senior citizens (64+ years), students with ID, and teachers get entry at a discounted price of €13.

On-site discounts are available for members of the US military, fire, and police departments, students of Columbia College, Northwestern, SAIC, and the University of Chicago.

Museum Of Contemporary Art Tickets

This Museum Of Contemporary Art ticket gives you complete access to all permanent and temporary exhibitions. 

When you book these Skip-The-Line tickets online, they get emailed to you. 

On the day of your visit, you can walk past the ticket counter line, show the ticket on your mobile at the entrance, and walk in. 

You can cancel this ticket up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Ticket Price

Adult Ticket (19+ years):  US$21
Child Ticket (up to 18 years): Free

Seniors (64+ years): US$13

Students with ID: US$13

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Tuesdays are free for Illinois residents who can present a valid local ID at the entrance.

How to reach Museum Of Contemporary Art

The MCA is located just east of Michigan Avenue, commonly known as the Magnificent Mile. This area is famous for its shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.

Address: The Museum Of Contemporary Art is located at 220 East Chicago Avenue, 60611, Chicago. Get Directions

Public transport is the best way to get to MCA. 

It is located four blocks east of the Chicago Avenue stop on the CTA Red Line.

By Bus

Pearson & Dewitt (West) bus stop and Chicago & Fairbanks (East) bus stop are just a three-minute walk away from the museum.

You can also take the #3 King Drive, #10 Museum of Science and Industry, and #66 Chicago Avenue buses, as well as several Michigan Avenue bus routes.

By Train

Clark/Division L train station is a fifteen-minute walk away.

By Car

Rental Cars and Taxis are easily available for hire.

Put on Google Maps to navigate to the MCA Chicago.

The parking garage is behind the museum.

More parking spots are available in the vicinity.

Museum Of Contemporary Art’s timings

From Wednesday to Sunday, the Museum of Contemporary Art opens at 10 am and closes at 5 pm.

On Tuesday, it stays open for longer – from 10 am to 9 pm. 

The museum remains closed on Mondays.

How long does MCA Chicago tour take?

The Museum Of Contemporary Art ticket gets you full-day access to the museum’s exhibits, so you can be inside for as long as you want. 

Most users spend two to three hours exploring the Museum Of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

Guests in a hurry can browse the museum’s highlights in an hour or so.

It is crucial to point out that visits to MCA can vary in length based on various factors, including which exhibitions are currently on display, what interests you, and how much time you spend with the artworks. 

If you save the receipt and admission tab, you can exit and re-enter the museum anytime you want. 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the museum is when it opens at 10 am before group tours start flowing in.

This will allow you to stroll the museum at your own leisure, away from the bustling crowds.

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Researched & Written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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