Chicago's Museum Of Contemporary Art
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Published: November 5, 2006
The Museum of Contemporary Art, an amazing structure designed by German architect Joseph Paul Kleihues, is home to over 6,000 objects. Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, The Museum of Contemporary Art was founded in 1967 and is one block east of Michigan Avenue. The museum's vast collection of media includes paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photography, video film, installations and artist books created after 1945.
Originally founded in 1967 the museum originally was located in a one story building on East Ontario Street. The Museum of Contemporary Art did not receive its first work until 1968, an interesting piece titled Six Women, by the Venezuelan sculptor Marisol. The Museum of Contemporary Art has showcased a number of amazing exhibitions including those of renowned artists Mapplethorpe and Lichtenstein. In January 1996 the Ontario Street building closed. The Museum of Contemporary Art reopened in June of the same year in the current facility that offers more than five times the amount of space the museum previously had.
Visitors and tourist who are on a budget should take full advantage of the daily tours that are offered free of charge. Visitors to The Museum of Contemporary Art have the option of either joining a Curator Tour, in which a curator will lead you through the exhibits on select Tuesdays or joining a museum volunteer for a forty-five minute tour throughout the museum. Tours conducted by museum volunteers are available during specific times and days. Tours begin in the second-floor lobby of the museum. Groups of 10 or more people are encouraged to prearrange their visit with the museum to receive a discount on admission along with an ideal time for a tour of the museum.
The Museum of Contemporary Art also offers presentations for groups outside the museum. A slide presentation is given by one of the museum's educators on the collections and exhibitions featured at The Museum of Contemporary Art. Presentations can also be designed to fit your group's special interests.
Families with children have an amazing opportunity available to them courtesy of The Museum of Contemporary Art. Throughout the summer, family exhibitions, free to the public, are held within the plaza where families have the opportunity to create art together as a family. Workshops are also available and are subjected to registration policies since these workshops are priced accordingly. Children and teens also have the chance to attend an art camp and a design lab to partake in hands on projects throughout the summer.
Children attending Illinois schools have an overwhelming amount available to them through The Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum offers free tours for all Illinois schools. High school teachers have the ability to self-guide their students through the museum. A minimum of 30 students is required. Younger students can attend the creation labs that are available. After a 30 minute discussion about art, the students proceed into the studio to create art using a number of different materials for 90 minutes. Teachers interested in this program should plan far in advance since space is extremely limited and in high demand.
Adults visiting the museum have a fantastic opportunity to attend lectures given at the museum. Although lectures are free with admission, space is limited. It is recommended to reserve tickets in advance by visiting the museum's website or by calling 312-397-4010. A $3 handling fee will be applied. Classes and workshops are also available at The Museum of Contemporary Art to members and nonmembers. Yoga, art history and studio sessions are among the many classes available.
Aside from countless exhibitions, The Museum of Contemporary Art has a full service restaurant along with many events offered throughout the year.
Puck, the featured restaurant at the museum, is that of renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. Offering an intriguing menu for lunch, visitors can enjoy delicious food until 2 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. An express counter is also available these days until 5pm and as late as 8pm on Tuesdays. Sunday brunch is also featured at Pucks between the hours of 11am-3 pm where visitors can indulge on assorted pastries, almond French toast stuffed with Ricotta cheese and fruit smoothies. Overlooking the sculpture garden and Lake Michigan makes this Sunday brunch a hot spot and reservations are highly recommended.
Looking for a great way to start off the weekend? First Fridays features live music from local DJ's between the hours of 6 pm-10 pm. Specialty drinks served with Absolut Vodka are served from a cash bar while hors d' oeuvres are provided by Wolfgang Puck. Attending First Fridays at The Museum of Contemporary Art also gives the public the opportunity to view work from up and coming Chicago artists. Tickets for First Fridays are $15 for non-members and $7 for members. The price also includes admission into the museum. First Fridays are reserved for those who are 21 and over.
Tuesdays on the Terrace is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an evening of live jazz music while enjoying fare catered by Woflgang Puck offered at extraordinarily reasonable prices. Starting at 5:30 pm and lasting until 8 pm, The Museum of Contemporary Art will offer this event to the public until the end of September.
The farmers market is also available well into Fall on Tuesdays at The Museum of Contemporary Art between the times of 9 am-6 pm. Shoppers are able to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, along with cut flowers, potted plants and delicious baked goods.
In addition to the tremendous amount of programs and amenities available to the public and members of The Museum of Contemporary Art, the museum offers a performance season of dance, theater and music to the public. The Museum of Contemporary Art is also available to rent for weddings, business meetings and conventions.
Hours of operation for the Museum of Contemporary Art are:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 10 am-8 pm (Free Admission)
Wednesday – Sunday – 10 am-5 pm
The Museum of Contemporary Art is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611
312-280-2660
