Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Ticket
Instant Confirmation
E-tickets accepted
Flexible Tickets
USD 19.3
Key Highlights
- Explore over 2,500 works in a permanent collection spanning every contemporary medium — painting, sculpture, photography, film, theatre, performance, and graphic design from 1945 to the present day
- Encounter large-scale sculptures by Jeff Koons, immersive installations by Yayoi Kusama, colour field paintings by Mark Rothko, and provocative works by Jenny Holzer, Banksy, and Anish Kapoor
- Discover ever-changing temporary exhibitions showcasing the most thought-provoking and culturally significant art of our time
- Explore the rooftop sculpture garden
- Visit the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant surrounded by immersive wall paintings by renowned artist Chris Ofili
About Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Ticket
The permanent collection covers the full arc of contemporary art from 1945 to the present. Large-scale sculptures by Jeff Koons sit at the intersection of popular culture and fine art — typically among the first and most striking works visitors encounter on arrival. Yayoi Kusama's immersive dot and mirror installations create some of the most visually overwhelming and emotionally affecting experiences in the museum when on display. Mark Rothko's monumental colour field canvases reward long, patient looking in a way that photographs can never convey. Works by Jenny Holzer, Banksy, and Anish Kapoor add further layers of provocation, beauty, and conceptual depth to a collection that engages directly with contemporary social, political, and cultural questions. The Kovler Atrium hosts rotating large-scale art installations ranging from sculpture to wall works, ensuring something fresh to discover on every visit.
The temporary exhibition programme has featured major surveys of Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke, and Tobias Rehberger alongside current exhibitions including Collection in Conversation with Pablo Helguera, City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago, and Firelei Báez. The rooftop sculpture garden is frequently cited as one of the most undervisited highlights of the entire museum — a curated outdoor collection with panoramic Lake Michigan views that provides a serene counterpoint to the intensity of the interior galleries. Your ticket grants full-day access with exit and re-entry permitted on the same day with your receipt. Book your Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 15%.
Inclusions
- Full-day general admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Access to the rooftop sculpture garden and the Kovler Atrium
Insiders' Tips
Visit at opening time at 10:00 AM before group tours begin arriving around 11:00 AM for the most peaceful and unhurried gallery experience. The rooftop sculpture garden is best saved for after the interior galleries — it provides a wonderful contemplative contrast, and the Lake Michigan views on a clear day are genuinely memorable. Illinois residents can visit free every Tuesday evening from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a valid Illinois ID.
Additional Information
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed Mondays
Child Policy
- Visitors aged 18 and under: free admission
- Proof of age may be required at the admissions desk
Accessibility & Facilities
- Wheelchair accessible throughout
- Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant and bar on site
- MCA Store with unique art-related merchandise and a 10% discount for Go City pass holders
- 300-seat theatre hosting performances, film screenings, and artist talks throughout the year
Restrictions
- Closed Mondays
- valid student ID or proof of age required at the admissions desk
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations are non refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews
The multimedia and installation pieces were engaging. It sits between the Water Tower and the lakefront....
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Check what's on before you go. A couple of the pieces felt like filler. Still a thought-provoking...
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The temporary shows were the highlight of our visit. Worth it for the changing exhibitions....
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Everyone said go on a free Tuesday, and we did. It can feel thin if a big show has just closed....
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The guides added useful background to the pieces. Admission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays....
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Being near the lakefront, it was simple to combine with a stroll. Not every installation landed for us....
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The temporary shows were the highlight of our visit. The museum hosts a lively calendar of events....
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Being near the lakefront, it was simple to combine with a stroll. The building replaced a former National Guard armory....
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The multimedia and installation pieces were engaging. The MCA is a fixture of Chicago's art scene....
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Friends said check the current show, which was good advice. Don't miss it if modern art is your...
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The rear terrace with lake views was a nice touch. It's really aimed at fans of modern and conceptual art....
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We'd heard the exhibitions were strong, and they were. A rewarding museum for modern-art fans.
The challenging, modern art made for a lively visit. The restaurant offers views over the sculpture garden....
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A rewarding museum if modern art is your thing. The galleries change character with each new exhibition....
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The location near the Water Tower made it easy to reach. It's a lot to pay if modern art isn't your thing....
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It's best if you enjoy modern and conceptual art. Not every installation landed for us....
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The staff were friendly and informative. The admission didn't feel matched by the amount on show....
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Being near the lakefront, it was simple to combine with a stroll. The building outshone some of the art,...
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The sculpture terrace out back was a lovely surprise. The museum runs an active education programme....
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Go with an open mind about contemporary work. The modern art divided opinion in our group....
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