• Stories
  • Topics
  • About
MCA 50th Wordmark - White MCA Stories
  • Stories
  • Topics
  • About

MCA Building Post-Renovation. Photo: Kendall McCaugherty, © MCA Chicago.

Moments of Truth

Gerhard Bette
One of the museum’s longtime Trustees, Gerhard Bette, identifies key moments in the MCA’s history.
Building Chicago Renovation
(Re)Connect installation-in-process, Pop-Up Gallery, Chicago. Part of The Mark Bradford Project, May 20, 2011. Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago.

The Mark Bradford Project

Mark Bradford
The Mark Bradford Project, which I was never sure what that was, seems like the MCA was interested in some type of experiment. They seemed like they were interested in. . . more
Artists Youth
Photo: Kendall McCaugherty – Hall+Merrick Photographers, © MCA Chicago

A Park on the Ceiling

Ana Paula Ruiz Galindo, Mecky Reuss
The founders of Pedro y Juana discuss their inspiration for the Commons, a new public space in the museum.
Building Chicago Avenue Renovation
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago

Defining A Common Space

Ana Paula Ruiz Galindo, Mecky Reuss
The founders of Pedro y Juana talk about the challenges of creating the Commons, a new space in the MCA's redesign.
Building Chicago Avenue Renovation
Take your time: Olafur Eliasson
Members Opening, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
May 7, 2009
Photography © Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

Take Your Time

Yuri Stone
In the summer of 2009, my girlfriend at the time had invited me to visit Chicago with her–we were living in Boston but she grew up on the northwest side–we. . . more
Chicago Exhibitions Romance Visitors

To Be Determined

Cheryl Lynn Bruce
For the opening ceremony of the museum's 50th birthday weekend, Cheryl Lynn Bruce researched, wrote, and presented a "praise poem for the MCA."   TO BE DETERMINED by Cheryl Lynn. . . more
1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s Chicago Avenue Founders Future Joe Shapiro Ontario Street

Coming through the Back

Kerry James Marshall
Kerry James Marshall describes his earliest visits to the MCA.
Artists Collection Firsts
Marie Chouinard, IN MUSEUM; Photo: Sylvie-Ann Paré

An Unforgettable Experience

Madeleine Grynsztejn
Marie Chouinard creates a deeply personal performance at the MCA.
2010s Artists Directors Performance
Women’s Board members Helyn Holland, Dorie Sternberg, and Rhona Hoffman examine goods sold through the MCA Store. Photo © MCA Chicago.

Beuys, Lichtenstein, Zeisler, and Indian Jewelry: The First Store

Rhona Hoffman
The Women’s Board opens the museum's first store: a cabinet on wheels.
1960s Board Firsts MCA Store Women
(Re)Connect installation-in-process, Pop-Up Gallery, Chicago. Part of The Mark Bradford Project, May 20, 2011. Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago.

The Impact of an Artist

Helen Zell
Mark Bradford, the first artist in residence, inspired audiences of all ages. 
2010s Artists Education Youth
Illinois National Guard’s Chicago Avenue Armory. Photo © MCA Chicago.

The State Meets Contemporary Art

Mary E. Ittelson
The museum's Chicago Avenue location was acquired after a three-way negotiation between the State of Illinois, the National Guard, and the MCA.
Building Chicago Move Ontario Street Women
Installation view, MCA Chicago Plaza Project: Alexandre da Cunha, Jul 18, 2015–Jul 24, 2016. Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago.

A Lunchtime Retreat

Helen Zell
Helen Zell describes her first encounter with the MCA.
1960s Firsts Ontario Street Visitors
Claes Oldenburg’s Frayed Wire mural outside the MCA’s original building at 237 E. Ontario St. Photo © MCA Chicago.

An Oxymoron

Malcolm Kamin
A drunken Claes Oldenberg makes an impression on Malcolm Kamin.
1960s 1970s Artists Collection Collectors
King Harris. © MCA Chicago.

We Want to Sit with Them Too

King Harris
At the Venice Biennale, the hot table at Harry's Bar is the MCA's.
Artists Community Parties
Installation view, Jeff Koons: Works 1979–1988, Jul 1–Aug 28, 1988. Photo © MCA Chicago.

Jeff Koons, Part-Time Preparator

Mary E. Ittelson
Mary E. Ittelson remembers Jeff Koons before he was a household name.
1980s Artists Exhibitions Staff
Installation view, Goshka Macuga: Exhibit, A, MCA Chicago, Dec 15, 2012–Apr 7, 2013. Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago.

The Best It Can Be

Martin H. Nesbitt
Martin H. Nesbitt takes lessons from his involvement with the MCA to his latest engagement: launching the Obama Presidential Center.
Board Chicago
Show More Stories
MCA Chicago »