A Whole New Art World
The MCA's first exhibitions introduced contemporary art to many Chicagoans and contemporary art collectors to Chicago's established art world.
1960s
Christo and Jan van der Marck
Christo became friends with the first director of the MCA, Jan van der Marck, just prior to the museum's founding.
Friends with the Founders
Christo's friendships with some of MCA's founders—dating back to the early sixties—led to the 1968 project Packed.
Wrapping the MCA Sign
How fabric was stitched together to cover the MCA sign.
Leapfrogging the Masters
The DNA of the MCA's 1967 founding continues to influence the museum and has resulted in a number of US "firsts."
Joseph Randall Shapiro and the Fire Department
Fire inspectors come to inspect the Christo installation and are "reassured" by Joe Shapiro.
A Merry Band of Pioneers
When the museum opened, it was just a group of people doing something. It was very adventuresome.
Kunsthalle or Collecting Institution?
Lew Manilow discusses one of the critical decisions facing the museums founders.