Virgil Abloh: "Figures of Speech" Ticketing FAQs
Skip the line! Here's tips and tricks for making your visit to Virgil Abloh: "Figures of Speech" stress-free. Don't find an answer to your question? Contact Visitor Services at 312-397-4010 or [email protected].
MCA Members receive priority entry!
Featured image

Line for Joefreshgoods event at the MCA, Jul 2018
Photo © MCA ChicagoGeneral Admission
How much do timed tickets cost?
Timed tickets for Virgil Abloh: "Figures of Speech" are the cost of general admission: adults, $15; students/seniors, $8; and free for visitors 18 and under.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
No, but it is strongly recommended.
I’m under 18. Do I need a ticket?
While tickets for visitors under 18 are free, it is still recommended that they are reserved ahead of time.
Youth tickets to the Virgil Abloh exhibit are strictly limited to two per customer and may only be used by guests aged 18 and under. Age will be verified when the guest enters the exhibit. Anyone presenting a youth ticket who is not 18 and under will be charged full price for their ticket. The account holder must be present at the time of admission to the galleries.
Do children and infants need tickets?
Yes. All children under 18 are free but need to be accounted for through our ticketing system.
What if I want pay-what-you-can or discounted tickets?
Walk-up tickets may be available on the day of your visit.
How do I redeem a complimentary pass or use a corporate discount?
You may reserve walk-up tickets on the day of your visit.
My college or university receives free admission. How do I reserve tickets?
You may reserve walk-up tickets on the day of your visit.
How many walk-up tickets are available each day?
A limited number of walk-up tickets will be held exclusively for members each day.
Do Virgil Abloh tickets include entry into the other exhibitions?
Yes! These tickets grant you general museum admission. You are encouraged to visit all other exhibitions on view before and after your entry time.
How long can I stay in the exhibition?
You are welcome to stay until the museum closes, however, there is no reentry into the exhibition.
How do I get free admission on Tuesdays?
Illinois residents will need to reserve their free tickets in-person on Tuesdays.
Can I exchange, resell, or return my tickets?
Only MCA Members may exchange their tickets for free. No other refunds or exchanges are available.
Do I have to print my tickets?
No. You can print your tickets or display them on a mobile device for entry.
When will I receive my PDF tickets?
Tickets will be emailed by June 1, 2019.
Do I have to arrive on time?
Yes. You must enter the exhibition within a half hour of your entry time. For example, if your tickets are for 10 am, you must enter between 10 and 10:29 am.
What if I’m late?
Unfortunately, tickets cannot be exchanged. You must enter the exhibition within a half hour of your entry time.
How do I beat the crowds?
Weekdays and mornings are typically quieter. The first and last two weeks of the exhibition will be the most crowded.
Can I bring a group?
Yes. Group visits must be booked in advance. Contact the Box Office for more information.
The back of my ticket stub says I can get into the museum for free within a week of seeing a Stage or Public Programs event. Does this apply to Virgil Abloh?
Yes! However, you will still need to get a timed ticket to view Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” and for this offer, they can only be reserved day of, in person. Please note that in person tickets are subject to availability.
Tell me more about the Fast Pass...
Fast Pass holders skip the general admission line and enter the exhibition via the designated Fast Pass line. For $50 per person, Fast Pass holders have access to all the exhibitions at the MCA, including Virgil Abloh: "Figures of Speech." There is a limited quantity available.
If visitors want to purchase two Fast Passes at $50 each, our Visitor Experience team highly recommends considering a household membership for only $85.
Does the Abloh exhibition cost extra?
No! Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” is included with general museum admission, but due to capacity, it is a timed entry, so you will need to pick a specific time to enter upon purchasing.
Can I just come in and shop at "Church and State"?
No. In fact, Virgil Abloh designed the 4th floor pop-up shop, "Church and State,” as a part of the exhibition. In order to shop at the exclusive store, you need to buy a timed ticket and enter the exhibition first.
I bought tickets through a third party site, do they include Virgil Abloh entry?
Any tickets purchased through a third party site (like TravelZoo, GoChicago, or Tiqets) include admission to the museum itself. Timed admission for ”Figures of Speech” is not guaranteed. Stop by the admissions desk when you arrive and, pending availability, we'll book a time slot for "Figures of Speech" at no additional charge.
Unfortunately, we cannot process refunds for any third party vendors. If you would like to request a refund, you will need to contact the company you purchased museum admission from.
What is the last available ticket time?
The last guaranteed ticket time for Virgil Abloh: "Figures of Speech" is 1.5 hours before the museum closes. So, on Tuesdays and Fridays, the last time slot available is at 7:30 pm. On all other days of the week, the last available time slot is 3:30 pm.
Members Tickets
Do MCA Members receive free admission?
Yes! Daily ticket allotments for each membership level are as follows:
- Individual/Student/Out-of-Town members: 1 free admission for yourself
- Household/Senior members: 2 free admission for you and one adult, plus any children under 18
- Premier members: 4 free admission for you and up to 3 guests, plus any children under 18
- Circle members: 6 free admission for you and up to 5 guests, plus any children under 18
Can I use my guest passes?
Yes! Guest passes can be redeemed for walk-up tickets on the day of your visit.
Do I need to be with my guest when they redeem a guest pass?
No, you do not.
If you will be joining your guest, check in at the admissions desk to redeem the guest pass for your desired time slot.
If you will not be joining your guest, they can redeem their pass at the admissions desk for the next available time slot.
Can I replace my lost guest passes?
Unfortunately guest passes are not replaceable.
I have a very old guest pass. Can I still use it?
Yes. MCA membership guest passes never expire.
Do I have to bring my membership card?
Please bring your member card and ID each time you visit. We can print a temporary card with your member number if you cannot find your card.
Can I lend my membership card to someone else?
No. Memberships are not transferrable and a named member must be present to access your benefits. A matching ID may be requested when checking in.
Can I add a second name to my membership?
Members at the Household level and above may add a second name. To verify or update your information, please contact Member Services at 312-397-4040, Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm, or at [email protected].
Can I reserve member tickets online for someone else?
No. Memberships and membership benefits are not transferrable. A named member must be present to use member tickets.
I am a member of a partner museum. Can I use my reciprocal membership?
Yes. Reciprocal members receive free admission for two guests. These tickets must be reserved in-person and are distributed on a first come, first served basis.