Moving Forward Safely

How we are adapting our safety practices

Hello, Chicago! We look forward to welcoming you back, in person, to the museum.

We want to first thank you for virtually visiting while we were closed. This time has afforded us the opportunity to stretch ourselves creatively and create a new program of online talks, studio visits, and virtual galleries. That programming will continue in our new world—visit our web site to engage, explore, learn, and create at home.

COVID-19 has changed our protocols and we have new practices in place to keep staff and you, our visitors, healthy. Look below to learn about those practices and how to visit our building.

We know now, more than ever, the healing power and connection we find in art. We welcome you.

–Madeleine Grynsztejn

Pritzker Director

Safety Procedures

As You Return to the Museum

Here are the safety practices that we are maintaining to keep visitors and staff safe.

All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask in all indoor museum spaces and while interacting with MCA staff or visitors while outdoors.
We’ve created a dedicated visitor path that traverses all of our galleries to ensure safe social distancing. The entrance is on Pearson Street and the exit is through the MCA Store. Visitors may also enter through the Commons from the back gate, proceeding downstairs to the Admission Desk. Follow the blue arrows on your visit.
In order to manage occupancy, we ask that you reserve your ticket online prior to visiting. Limited tickets will also be available at the admissions desk on the first floor.
We invite you to take advantage of our outdoors spaces during your visit.
- Our backyard and sculpture garden are open! Find the entrance through the Commons on the second floor.
Everyone who enters the space for any reason agrees to our Code of Conduct.

While We Were Gone

During our closure, we took steps to ensure that our building would be safe and sanitized.

Below is a list of the measures we took while you were gone.

We disinfected all public spaces and conducted deep cleaning of all office spaces.
We added hand sanitizing stations throughout the building.
We closed and deinstalled artworks and engagements that require touch.
We completed a thorough evaluation of our HVAC system.
We trained staff on new safety practices based on CDC, state, and city guidelines.

Our Agreement

Below is our Code of Conduct that we all agree to in order to visit, share, and learn in the museum.

By entering the space, you’re agreeing:

To wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.
To follow the visitor path marked with arrows.
To mind the signs and maintain a safe distance of 6 feet.
You are not currently experiencing any of the following symptoms related to COVID-19:
- A fever of 100.4
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Unexplained muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
To be kind. This has been a tough time for all of us and we appreciate your kindness and respect for our staff who are working hard to make this a place of respite, reflection, and art. Thank you.
To respect the 10-day quarantine period if traveling from a state on the Chicago Travel Quarantine List.

Safety FAQs

Can you tell me more about the cleaning you do?

Prior to reopening, an antimicrobial bacterial shield treatment will be applied to all hard surfaces and reapplied monthly. This treatment is a proprietary, nano based, positive charged silicone solution that kills negatively charged viruses as they reach the surface. The treatment is EPA registered, FDA approved, odorless, and nontoxic. In addition, the Housekeeping team will be implementing their Advanced Healthy Cleaning program which consists of increased cleaning of all shared areas, offices, high touch areas and restrooms throughout the day using EPA approved disinfectants.

Oops, I forgot to buy my tickets online, can I buy them in person at the Admissions Desk?

A limited number of tickets will be available onsite, pending availability. The admissions desk is located on the first floor of the museum.

I forgot / lost my mask. What do I do?

Just ask for one at the admissions desk on the first floor of the museum! Our visitor associates have masks on hand that they can provide in a pinch.

You said you have a specially designated visitor path… can I still use an elevator?

Why yes, you certainly can! However we will be limiting elevator capacity to 6 people at a time, or one family per trip.

Can I still linger in the gallery and take my time looking at the art?

Yes! We want you to enjoy the art at your own pace and no one will rush you. We just ask that you follow the designated visitor path and posted room occupancy signs. Please monitor others around you to maintain that safe 6-feet distance.

Do you have a digital map I can use?

Absolutely! We’ve updated our general brochure and made it into a handy PDF.

Is the store open?

Yes, the MCA Store is open the same hours as the museum. Additionally, you can work with a [personal virtual shopper](email link is [email protected]) for a digital shopping experience. The MCA Store is also offering curbside pickup for ease.

Can I try on jewelry in the store?

Yes! We will have one of each item available for trying on. These items will be disinfected after each visitor try-on.

Is Marisol open?

Not right now. Our colleagues in Marisol are building plans to reopen in a way that ensures safety for all.

What kind of mask should I wear at the MCA?

Please follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask that fits you properly. It should cover both your nose and mouth.

Why are vaccinations required in the Edlis Neeson Theater, but not for the museum?

Our theater performances and events will have our visitors seated more closely and for a longer duration of time than visitors moving throughout the museum.

How can I provide proof of vaccination?

Please bring either your vaccine card, a printed copy, or a digital photo of your card as well as a photo ID. We are working on finalizing a more streamlined approach for Edlis Neeson Theater audience members.

I wanted to see a performance but can’t provide proof of vaccination. Can I still attend?

Upcoming performances and events are planned as hybrid, presented both live and online. Those that cannot provide proof of vaccination are encouraged to participate virtually. View our calendar of events.