The First Woman Board President
Running board meetings is hard enough. Being the only woman in the room was an added challenge for Helyn Goldenberg.
Helyn Goldenberg
Life Member of the Board of Trustees. First woman to serve as President of the Board, from 1981 to 1986. Former President of the Women's Board
“It Was Thrilling”
The MCA's first years were marked by experimentation and excitement. Helyn Goldenberg recalls some highlights.
Happy Birthday, Joe Shapiro!
Board members and friends celebrate Joseph Randall Shapiro’s 85th birthday in this colorful video greeting.
How the MCA Got the New Site
Helyn Goldenberg dreams big and wheels and deals to secure the Armory site for the museum's new building.
“I Want My Money Back!”
Dan Flavin's first museum exhibition, now legendary, provoked mixed responses at the time.
Eat Here, Die in the Alley
The MCA's first café gets a name.
Joseph Randall Shapiro and the Fire Department
Fire inspectors come to inspect the Christo installation and are "reassured" by Joe Shapiro.
An Auction Like Sotheby’s Does
The MCA organizes the first Sotheby's-style auction to benefit a museum.
A Merry Band of Pioneers
When the museum opened, it was just a group of people doing something. It was very adventuresome.
Chicago’s Schoolkids Take the Bus
A grant from Walgreens paid for the buses that brought CPS students to the MCA.