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United States/Things to Do in Chicago, solo trip

Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago?

90%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: Pay-what-you-can admission, free audio tours, Wi-Fi, and quiet galleries let a solo guest roam for 2–4 hours without coordination, making the museum an easy, enriching stop downtown.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 6,451 reviews)

Positives:

  • Flexible admission pricing: Pay the suggested $22 or choose a lower amount at the desk if you need to save.
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the museum: Use Wi-Fi in the Commons to research artists or update your travel journal.

Challenges:

  • Limited seating: Galleries have few benches—plan breaks in the Commons seating area.
  • Weekend crowds: Sundays after 2 pm tours can fill up—visit earlier or on weekdays for space.
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🏖️ Explore Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago?

  • A downtown Chicago museum devoted to post-World War II and contemporary art in painting, sculpture, photography, video and performance
  • A rotating exhibition program highlighting emerging and established artists from around the globe
  • An architectural landmark featuring a six-story light-filled atrium and riverside terrace designed by Josef Paul Kleihues

What is so special about Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago for solo trip?

  1. Pay-what-you-can admission offers budget flexibility
  2. Free audio guides and docent tours deliver expert insights
  3. Complimentary pencils and paper let you sketch and take notes
  4. Sculpture garden and terrace provide outdoor art with views
  5. Compact layout makes it easy to explore alone

Recommended visit duration: 2-4 hours

Why 2-4 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: This gives you time for a gallery walk, an audio tour, and a break in the sculpture garden.

(View Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Self-guided gallery tour:

Walk through postwar and contemporary art at your own pace.

Tip: Pay the suggested admission or choose your own price at the front desk.

Free audio experiences:

Stream audio guides for select exhibitions on your phone.

Tip: Download the museum’s audio tour app before arrival to avoid Wi-Fi delays.

Public docent tour:

Join a 45-minute guided tour on Sundays and Wednesdays at 2 pm.

Tip: Meet at the second-floor admissions desk five minutes early to secure your spot.

Sketch and reflect:

Use complimentary pencils and paper to sketch or take notes in the Commons.

Tip: Pick up pencils at the info desk and find a quiet corner with a table.

Sculpture garden and terrace:

Enjoy modern sculptures outdoors with city skyline views.

Tip: Visit in warmer months and check gallery closing times before heading out.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

  1. Start on the top floor: Work your way down through galleries to avoid retracing steps.
  2. Arrive early for tours: Get to the meeting spot by 1:55 pm to join the 2 pm docent tour.
🏖️ Tour Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

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Scott Stevens

Scott Stevens

Jan 2026

I do not consider myself an art expert or even a fan, but this place was a really cool experience. I was there for the Yoko Ono exhibit, and did not go in there with Great expectations. However the experience was immersive and engaging. There were lots of Hands-On activities that really added to the event. Educational, and fun. I will definitely go back. Tuesday nights are free for Illinois reside...

Melissa Ribeiro

Melissa Ribeiro

Jan 2026

The space is great, but I felt there weren't many exhibitions available. You can walk through the entire museum in less than an hour. It felt like some works were missing; maybe I just wasn't lucky.

Ubunibi-Afia Short

Ubunibi-Afia Short

Jan 2026

Perfectly accessible and extraordinarily friendly staff! We saw the Yoko Ono exhibit, which was a combination of visual audio, self reflection, patron collaboration and nostalgia. As a patron or a visitor to the exhibit, we were allowed to contribute and vicom part of the exhibit itself. i loved it. It was rather late when we visited so we will definitely visit again before it is gone.

Harold PK

Harold PK

Dec 2025

Art is my one hobby that’s very different than what pays the bills. Contemporary Art is probably one of the more difficult to translate because it’s less straight forward than others; often it forces you to examine things differently. I felt the MCA did a much better job than most at story telling & explaining the why. I brought our 9 year old son & he became so engaged in the exhibits (even if...

Incision Incision

Incision Incision

Sep 2025

It is a really great place to spend a day and enjoy something different. The building itself look modern and open, with big bright spaces that make it easy to walk and explore. Exhibitions change often and always bring something new, from big bold installations to smaller art pieces that make you stop and think. Staff is friendly and ready to help if you need directions or info, and everything ins...

When is the best time to visit Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago (Chicago, United States)?

In summer and fall, the outdoor terrace and sculpture garden stay open. Winters can be cold—dress warmly and confirm hours.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Chicago on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Museum admissionUSD 20
Coffee at The CounterUSD 5
Total EstimatedUSD 25

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

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About Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Opening Hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 312-280-2660

Average price

US$ 19.83
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Average price

US$ 19.83
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