For nearly 60 years, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) has sought to nurture and showcase some of the world’s most-renowned interdisciplinary contemporary artists. Nestled into the heart of the city, just off Michigan Ave near the Water Tower and John Hancock building, the MCA has grown to become home to a collection of over 2,000 works. The 220,00-square-foot building features three levels of galleries that host a robust slate of exhibits year round, an education center, performance theater, and more.
This summer at the MCA will be filled with new exhibitions, interactive performances, and artists talks. The MCA invites Chicagoans and out-of-towners alike to add visiting to explore some of the most experimental and intriguing contemporary art to their summer itinerary.
View exclusive exhibitions
Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón
Dancing the Revolution brings together over 40 artists to explore how dancehall and reggaetón—two genres born from the Caribbean’s struggle and spirit—became global forces of cultural and political liberation. Through painting, sculpture, sound, and video, the exhibition traces these movements from Kingston to San Juan to New York and beyond, revealing how rhythm, body, and sound become revolutionary tools for joy and resistance.
Programming includes karaoke nights, a talk with Petra R. Rivera-Rideau and Vanessa Díaz, and more. Plus, don’t miss Tuesdays on the Terrace, where the whole month of July will be dedicated to music of the Caribbean.
City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago
You’ll have until August 16 to experience City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago, which explores the city’s vital yet underrecognized role in LGBTQ+ history through the work of over 30 artists and collectives from the 1980s to today. Highlighting the intersection of art and activism, the exhibition showcases photography, sculpture, painting, and archival materials that document radical resistance, queer intimacy, and the ongoing fight for liberation.
Chicago Works | Mike Cloud: Worldless Obstruction
Chicago-based artist Mike Cloud often uses recognizable symbols, objects, and materials to draw attention to how symbols are interpreted and their connection to systems of power and history. This exhibition features a new body of work that features hinges and can be configured in many variations, sometimes literally getting in the way of expectations about what a painting should be and. Through his titles, Cloud rejects vague themes in favor of using details from the news cycle.
Spend your summer immersed in culture
Tuesdays on the Terrace
Relax on the MCA’s terrace and lawn every week when Tuesdays on the Terrace returns on June 16. Now in its 27th year, this season’s lineup features alt-rock, pop, jazz, reggaetón, and more—but always rooted in Chicago’s music community. For the full schedule and more information about attending, visit: mcachicago.org/tot.
Prime Time: Dancing the Revolution
Get ready to shake it in celebration of Dancing the Revolution with Prime Time on July 25! Kicking off at 7 PM, this all-museum, late-night, 21+ party will feature dance workshops with dancehall diva Latonya Style, an electric sound and movement performance by Awilda Rodríguez Lora, and music curated in collaboration with Chicago’s own Beatdown Soundsystem.
Artist Talks
In celebration of the opening of the exhibition, enjoy a roundtable conversation between curators and art historians Aram Mosheyedi, Michiko Okano, and Hamza Walker. Moderated by MCA Assistant Curator and organizer of Kenzi Shiokava, Nolan Jimbo.
What is it like to collaborate creatively with Bad Bunny, and how has his global superstardom influenced political activism around Puerto Rico? At this talk, the authors of new the book P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance will explore his impact with the star’s collaborators, including music video director Kacho López Mari. Bilingual event (English/Spanish).
Grab a souvenir and bite to eat
MCA Store
Described by Conde Nast Traveller as “one of the best gift shops (ever)” the MCA Store is great for browsing before, after, or during your visit. With a focus on independent artists—including some of Chicago’s finest—its impeccable selection of merchandise celebrates fun, beauty, and curiosity, with jewelry, home goods, wearables, art books, games, prints, and much more. Like the museum itself, the store has something for every budget and age group. Along with its mix of chic, playful, and thought-provoking items for grown-ups, it features hundreds of colorful, imaginative toys, art kits, and interactive books to inspire and nurture young creative minds.
The MCA Store is open Tuesday from 10 AM to 9 PM, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, or visit online anytime at mcachicagostore.org.
Marisol
Enjoy long summer evenings of dinner, drinks, and conversation at Marisol Restaurant & Bar, the MCA’s on-site dining establishment, featuring seasonal dishes in an art-filled, relaxing setting.
Stop in on Tuesdays through Sundays for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch—or come to happy hour from 5 to 6:30 PM. Be sure to try the current dish from our ongoing Chef Collaboration Series, which aims to uplift local culinary talent by showcasing their signature dishes.
Visit marisolchicago.com/menus to view our latest menus.
In addition to table service at Marisol, the Counter is a perfect stop before, after, or during your visit for light bites, snacks, coffee, tea, and other refreshments. Order online or stop in from 10 AM to 7 PM on Tuesdays, and 10 AM to 4 PM Wednesday through Sunday.
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