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 Commons Online weekly 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’ve made admission to the museum free for the months of July and August, so that there are no barriers to anyone who wants to find respite in the galleries. We know now, more than ever, the healing power and connection we find in art. We welcome you.

Madeleine Grynsztejn
Pritzker Director

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.

• 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. Follow the blue arrows on your visit.
• We’ve placed Visitor Experience Associates throughout the museum to help you on your way, or to answer questions that might come up. Look for their blue lanyards.
• In order to manage occupancy, we ask that you reserve your free admission ticket online prior to visiting. Limited tickets will also be available at the admissions desk on the first floor.
• Stations where staff must interact directly with customers, like cash wraps and counters, now have plexiglass shields. Associates will wear gloves.
• Our coat checks will be closed.
• The first hour of the day, 11 am–noon, has been set aside for people at an increased risk and who may be more susceptible to the virus.
• 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.
  • Our plaza is open! We're hosting SOAR's Farmer's Market on Tuesdays and the steps are open to anyone. Look for the seating stickers to maintain 6 feet.
• We're offering free admission so that no one is prohibited from visiting.
• Everyone who enters the space for any reason agrees to our Code of Conduct.

By entering the space, you're agreeing:

• To wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.
• To follow the visitor path marked with blue 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 14-day quarantine period if traveling from a state on the Chicago Travel Quarantine List.