Learn
The MCA’s Learning Department creates diverse programs and experiences that bring artists and audiences of all ages together to exchange ideas, share creative experiences, and explore contemporary art and culture, whether within the museum or in the classroom.
Families
The MCA is a great place for families to connect with contemporary art. We offer experiences that redefine the way that kids and families explore and create art together.
Youth/Teens
At the MCA, teens not only view but engage with contemporary art and artists. The MCA makes museum resources accessible to youth so that they may dream, plan, and create responses to the issues that are important to them.
Teachers
Did you know Illinois elementary and high school teachers receive free admission to the MCA? Simply present a valid teacher ID (or a photograph of your valid teacher ID) at the Admissions desk for free admission to the museum.
Teachers crafting collages on small wooden cutting boards during Learning Series | The Impact of Food Apartheid in Education, part 4. May 25, 2024.
Photo: Alexis EllersSchools
Fifth graders from Skinner West Elementary School
discuss a work by John Cage with a teaching artist during a free school tour
Our field trips, workshops, and residencies, invite students and teachers to explore, debate, and reflect upon the important ideas that lie at the heart of contemporary art. All programs are free for Illinois K–12 schools and teachers.
Library
The Library and Archives is available to external scholars with specific research purposes by appointment from 9:30 am–4 pm, Monday–Friday.
Publications
The MCA tells stories about the museum’s exhibitions, programs, and history in many ways and through various media, both print and digital. This section of the site indexes our publications and productions, and invites you to explore them.
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Participate
Teen Creative Agency
The Teen Creative Agency (TCA) is the MCA's cultural leadership program for Chicago teens who come together from all over the city and use contemporary art and the museum to create, dream, envision, and transform ideas and responses around issues that are important to them. Members meet weekly to increase their agency and collaboration skills, build community, and develop creative projects and public events. Teens are also provided with a monthly stipend to cover transportation costs.
Teacher Institute
Teacher Institute (T.I.) is the museum's most immersive and collaborative professional development program for educators. The design of this free, yearlong program is aimed at helping educators investigate, design, incubate, and implement innovative contemporary curriculum. The emphasis of the Teacher Institute is on supporting teachers in developing student-centered projects that give students an active role in the development, implementation, and documentation of socially engaged curricula. Educators receive ISBE professional development credit as well as a stipend.
Funding
Lead support for Learning programs at the MCA is provided by Jana and Bernardo Hees.
Major support is provided by Carol Prins and John Hart/The Jessica Fund.
Additional generous support is provided by the Friends of Edwin A. Bergman Fund, the Hulda B. & Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, Diane Kahan, The Marshall Frankel Foundation, and The William Randolph Hearst Foundations.