Fifth graders from Skinner West Elementary School
discuss a work by John Cage with a teaching artist during a free school tour

Photo: Joshua Longbrake © MCA Chicago

Schools

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.

Field Trips

Students look and point at a black and white drawing of tropical trees and foliage that is displayed on two walls. — Students from Talcott Elementary discuss Panorama Catatumbo, by Noemí Pérez (2012-2016).
Photo: Nathan Keay

The Museum of Contemporary Art proudly offers free guided field trips with free transportation to Chicago Public Schools. Registration is open for summer 2023 tours; please use the form on this page to request and email [email protected] with questions.

Teachers

People making a structure with tape and long beams of wood — Teachers designed a communal space for learning with artist Faheem Majeed during a Teacher Institute
Photo: Gillian Fry © MCA Chicago

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.

SPACE

Curie parade to post office, May 31, 2018
Photo: Braxton Black © MCA Chicago

School Partnership for Art and Civic Engagement, also known as SPACE, is a program created to foster the creative, intellectual, and civic development of students.

Funding

Major support is provided by the Zell Family Foundation, Max Mara, Northern Trust, Nancy and Steve Crown and the Crown Family, GCM Grosvenor, Kenneth C. Griffin, Jana and Bernardo Hees, Carol Prins and John Hart, Reyes Holdings, and an anonymous donor.

Generous support is provided by the Bluhm Family; Julie and Larry Bernstein; Marlene Breslow-Blitstein and Berle Blitstein; Lois and Steve Eisen; Helyn Goldenberg and Michael Alper; Andi and Jim Gordon, The Edgewater Funds; Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel, Jr.; Rachel and David Grund; Melissa Grund Sarnoff and David Sarnoff; the Harris Family Foundation in honor of Bette and Neison Harris; HCSC/Blue Cross Blue Shield IL; Cynthia Hunt and Philip Rudolph; Illinois Tool Works; Anne L. Kaplan; Susie Karkomi and Marvin Leavitt; the Kovler Family Foundation; Liz and Eric Lefkofsky/Cathy Ross and Chris Liguori; Gael Neeson; Norcon, Inc; Cari and Michael Sacks; Karyn and Bill Silverstein; Ellen Wallace and Steven Gould; and an anonymous donor.