Chicago’s Schoolkids Take the Bus
A grant from Walgreens paid for the buses that brought CPS students to the MCA.
It’s a Fossil
Cracks are discovered in Felix, the museum's gigantic new sculpture.
Wall to Wall
Cups of pretzels, beer, and masses of people were staples of the earliest exhibition openings at the MCA's original building.
Chicago Women Artists
The MCA's Options series showcased many women artists at a time when gallery representation was rare.
Kunsthalle or Collecting Institution?
Lew Manilow discusses one of the critical decisions facing the museums founders.
Not White-Washed and Elitist
I used to think museums were really elitist and white-washed, and they taught that art had a correct answer. And when I started working here, I learned that was absolutely. . . more
The Seed of a Dialogue
Jan van der Marck, the museum's founding director, was responsible for planning cutting-edge exhibitions such as Art by Telephone and Pictures to be Read/Poetry to be Seen.
“Maybe I should have paid a little more attention”
Monique Meloche reminisces about two artists who were presented at the MCA before they were famous.
The Freedom Principle
The Freedom Principle: Experiments in Art and Music, 1965 to Now explored important political issues and the human condition through incredible craft.
A New Vision
Cari Sacks discusses the Vision Campaign and the role of the museum in the city.
ArtEdge Is an Experience
Patti Smith performs at the museum's first ArtEdge benefit.
Chicago Art Goes International
A trip to Documenta in 1982 shows Chicago collectors and museum-goers a bit more of the international art world.
Strong Role Models
Monique Meloche reflects on the amazing female role models she has known at the MCA.
When Artists Weren’t Rock Stars
Mary E. Ittelson reflects on the fearlessness of the museum's founders in championing unknown artists.
Making Space for Performance
From its founding, performance has been an essential component of the MCA's programming.