Levels and Benefits

Membership Levels

Which membership is right for you? Here are the major differences:

Individual and discounted memberships (such as Student or Out of Town) are for one person. You receive unlimited admission for one, and 2 single-visit guest passes.
Household level and above provides unlimited admission for you and a guest, plus any children under 18. Four guest passes are included, plus the popular MCA tote bag.
Premier Friend level and above provides admission for you and up to three guests, plus reciprocal benefits at more than 85 museums across North America.
Premier Associate and Advocate Members also receive invitations to exclusive events.
Circle Donors receive admission for you and up to five guests, are recognized on our donor wall, and are invited to attend events with curators and artists.

Basic Membership

Three visitors look at a large painting, which depicts a painting of Harriet Tubman and her husband. The painting shows the portrait being held in place by men wearing gloves with a yellow level propped against the wall below. — The Lopez family admires Kerry James Marshall's work specifically created for the Benefit Art Auction during a Members' Preview, Oct 22, 2015
Photo: Jeremy Lawson Photography © MCA Chicago

Our basic memberships give you access to some of the most exciting contemporary art in the world through free admission and discounted tickets to our MCA Stage performances and public programs, as well as invitations to Members’ Previews of major exhibitions. You also enjoy discounts in the MCA Store and on MCA dining.

Premier Membership

Members at the preview of Take your time: Olafur Eliasson, Apr 29, 2009
Photo: © MCA Chicago

As a Premier Member you receive more opportunities to get involved with the MCA on a deeper level. Free admission for additional guests as well as more guest passes allows you to share your passion for contemporary art with more people. Plus, reciprocal privileges at more than 100 museums across the country, with more than 20 just in California and New York, gives you greater access to art throughout North America.

Circle Donors

Members at the Circle Preview of the 2015 Benefit Art Auction
Photo: Jeremy Lawson © MCA Chicago

Circle Donors are among the museum’s most dedicated contributors and are passionate about the arts and Chicago’s vibrant cultural community. As a Circle Donor, you gain special access to the museum, meeting artists, curators, and collectors. You also receive invitations to Circle Previews—premier opportunities to see major exhibitions before anyone else—events, and programs, as well as opportunities for national travel in addition to other benefits based on your level of support. Circle Donors are invited to join Emerge, the MCA’s art acquisition support group, and Enact, the MCA’s performance support group.

Director’s Vision Council

DVC members gather for an event with Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn
Photo: Jeremy Lawson Photography © MCA Chicago

($15,000+)

Member Benefits

All members gain access to:

Members’ Previews, including admission for you and a guest to exclusive events that offer a first look at new exhibitions and connect you with the best contemporary culture in Chicago
Programs, talks, and tours that are included with regular admission, and free for members
The MCA Magazine, published and mailed exclusively to members three times a year
20% discount on ticketed events on the MCA Stage, including theater, dance, and music performances by today’s leading and rising stars Members get an additional 10% on MCA Stage Packages
10% discount in the MCA Store on site and online year-round, as well as Members’ Double Discount Day promotions throughout the year
Discounts on MCA dining
$5 discount in the MCA garage