Museum of Contemporary Art

Modern art exhibits and striking architecture

Noteworthy for: The Museum's striking building, which opened in 1996, has divided critics but is known for its stunning interior staircase.
Word to the wise: The Museum's interesting gift shop is a destination in its own right.

Stunning to some, stunningly ugly to others, the bold, rectilinear concrete blocks of Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art are not necessarily to everyone’s taste. What this landmark modernist building unquestionably offers, however, are large, airy spaces perfect for the museum's major exhibitions, covering art made since 1945.
These exhibitions are usually excellent, often but not always derived from the museum's own 2,500 item strong collection, only a small part of which is on show at any time. Taking in sculpture, photography and painting, the museum also hosts cutting-edge music, theater, film, dance, and opera performances, as well as talks by writers.

To combine socialising with art viewing, drop in on the first Friday of the month between 6pm and 10pm, when the museum serves visitors with wine, live entertainment and hors d'oeuvres devised by chef Wolfgang Puck.