Committed to Diversity
Diversity is part of the MCA's DNA.
Jeff Koons Speaks to MCA Staff
Nancy DeDakis recalls Jeff Koons giving a talk to staff during his first solo exhibition.
Art at the Armory
The run-down Armory building in which the MCA presented Art at the Armory: Occupied Territory charmed visitors.
A 24-Hour Free-for-All
Instead of throwing a flashy party, the MCA opened the museum to all for 24 hours.
Few Resources, Lots of Creativity
Starting out with few resources, the MCA found ways to connect audiences with artists in programs such as gallery talks with Vito Acconci and Jeff Koons.
The Lee Bontecou Exhibition
Elizabeth Smith, a chief curator for 10 years, put on an incredible Lee Bontecou show that later travelled to MoMA and the Hammer.
Joseph Randall Shapiro’s Generosity
Joseph Randall Shapiro donated 1,000 lithographs to University of Chicago students so they would have art in their dorms.
Not A Typical Field Trip
Students at Chicago Public Schools experience the MCA through the lens of artist-led tours, introducing new perspectives and conversations.
Seeing the World through Art
An installation by artist Gaylen Gerber sparks big-picture questions among young people visiting the MCA for the first time.
Artist-Activated Ambition
The MCA’s devotion to being artist-activated means that we end up doing ambitious projects.
Amplifying the Chicago Flavor
Michael Darling discusses the importance of exhibiting and collecting work by Chicago artists.
More than Just a Museum
Now more than ever, museums are shared spaces for people to come together, interact, and connect.
“This person is going to influence the world”
Madeleine Grynsztejn recalls an early visit to the studio of Kerry James Marshall.
Not Always Your Cup of Tea
The MCA continues to challenge visitors with a range of contemporary art.
ArtEdge on Brand
Anne Kaplan describes ArtEdge as a way to develop an identity for the MCA.
A Merry Band of Pioneers
When the museum opened, it was just a group of people doing something. It was very adventuresome.