Membership
Membership at the MCA isn’t simply about discounts—it’s about belonging to a community that supports living artists and their work.
All members gain access to:
- Free, unlimited admission to the museum and to special exhibitions.
- Invitations to Members’ Previews for you and a guest.
- Free programs, talks, and tours.
- Member News emails with insider-only updates.
- Access to the members-only line for our Tuesdays on the Terrace summer music series.
- Generous discounts, including:
- Up to 20% discount on events, programs, and performances.
- 10% discount at Marisol Restaurant and Bar.
- 10% discount in the MCA Store; 20% discount during Members’ Double Discount Days.
- 10% discount on private guided tours
- $5 off museum parking.
Levels
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- Free admission for one.
- Two one-time-use guest passes for friends or family ($38 value), included in your fulfillment packet, arriving 4–6 weeks after purchase.
- 10% discount on gift memberships all year long.
- $5 discount on Gene Siskel Film Center memberships. To obtain the discounted membership, show a valid MCA Member ID at the Siskel box office.
- Tax-deductible as permitted by law
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Includes all Individual-level benefits, plus:
- Free admission for two; people under the age of 18 are always free.
- Four one-time-use guest passes for friends or family ($76 value), included in your fulfillment packet, arriving 4–6 weeks after purchase.
- An MCA tote bag (exclusive for members).
- Tax-deductible as permitted by law
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Includes all Dual-level benefits, plus:
- Free admission for you and up to three guests.
- Reciprocal privileges at more than 100 museums across North America.
- Complimentary Individual-level gift membership ($85 value).
- Six one-time-use guest passes for friends or family ($114 value), included in your fulfillment packet, arriving 4–6 weeks after purchase.
- Tax-deductible as permitted by law
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Includes all Friend-level benefits, plus:
- Invitations to exclusive curator-led Member tours of MCA exhibitions.
- Invitations to Members’ Mingles with the chance to meet other MCA Members over drinks and light fare.
- All but $20 is tax deductible as permitted by law
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Includes all Contributor-level benefits, plus:
- Exclusive access to MCA exhibitions and artists through select Circle Donor events, such as Circle Previews and after-hours Circle Tours.
- Access to our Member Services Team who will plan your visit to the MCA, including tour suggestions, neighborhood recommendations, and reservation assistance at Marisol Restaurant and Bar.
- All but $40 is tax deductible as permitted by law
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Circle Donors are among the museum’s most dedicated contributors and gain special access to the museum, including private curator tours and Circle Previews—premier opportunities to see major exhibitions before anyone else.
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Comprised of committed donors who further the mission of the MCA, DVC members experience exclusive tours, private collection visits, and travel opportunities alongside the Pritzker Director.
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- Individual ($60)
Includes all Individual-level benefits for one adult over the age of 65. - Dual ($90)
Includes Dual-level benefits for two adults over the age of 65 (tote voucher not included; two guest passes included instead of four).
- Individual ($60)
Includes all Individual-level benefits for one adult under the age of 30. - Dual ($90)
Includes Dual-level benefits for two adults under the age of 30 (tote voucher not included; two guest passes included instead of four).
- Individual ($60)
Includes all Individual-level benefits for one adult living outside of Illinois.* - Dual ($90)
Includes Dual-level benefits for two adults living outside of Illinois (tote voucher and guest passes not included).*
*Please note: This is a digital only membership. Out-of-Town members only receive a digital membership card and no physical mailings.
- Individual ($60)
Member Events
Discover opportunities to join other members for exclusive events and programs.
Explore Further
FAQs
General Questions
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There are multiple ways to purchase a new or existing membership:
- In person: Purchase a membership at our admissions desk, in the MCA Store, or at the MCA Box Office.
- By phone: Call 312-397-4040.
- Online: Visit our ticketing site.
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You can purchase gift memberships three ways:
- In person: Purchase a membership at our admissions desk, in the MCA Store, or at the MCA Box Office.
- By phone: Call 312-397-4040.
- Online: Visit our ticketing site.
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Yes! The tax deductibility of membership depends on the level. Visit the Levels section for more information.
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The MCA cannot refund memberships. Specific questions about gift refunds can be addressed by calling us at 312-397-4040.
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Send an email to memberservices@mcachicago.org to have new materials issued.
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New permanent membership cards typically arrive within 4–6 weeks after you join.
Renewing members: Please continue to use your existing membership cards. Your membership will be electronically updated within 24 hours of your online renewal and you will receive new membership cards within 4–6 weeks.
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Members at the Dual level or above may designate a second cardholder. Individual memberships include one named cardholder only. All members receive a digital membership card, and physical card eligibility depends on membership level.
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During your next visit, make any changes to your personal information by filling out a Member Service Request form at our admissions desk, in the MCA Store, or at the Box Office. You can also update your information or inquire about your membership status by calling Member Services at 312-397-4040 or emailing memberservices@mcachicago.org.
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Members at the Friend level and above receive free admission for two adults to more than 100 museums across North America.
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We take pride in our support of nonprofit organizations and schools, both locally and across the country. Please email info@mcachicago.org to request a donation from the MCA.
Visiting the Museum
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Immediately. If you plan to buy tickets online, purchase your membership, then log out and log back in to refresh the system. If visiting in person, show our Visitor Experience staff your membership confirmation email.
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Your membership level determines how many people you can take to the museum:
- Individual: (1) Free admission for yourself
- Dual: (2) Free admission for you and another adult, plus any children under 18
- Friend-level and up: (4) Free admission for you and up to 3 guests, plus any children under 18
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Yes! Guest entry is included with select membership levels. One-time guest passes to share with friends or family are included in your membership materials, which arrive 4–6 weeks after you join or renew.
The number of passes you receive depends on your membership level.
Please note: guest passes are valid during regular museum hours only. They are not accepted for Members’ Previews, ticketed exhibitions, or special events.
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Membership cards are nontransferable and only grant access to the member named on the card. If you would like to send a family member or friend to the museum, you can provide them with one of the guest passes you received with your membership materials.
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Visit us anytime during our regular hours: Tuesday, 10 am–9 pm, and Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm. For additional events scheduled outside of normal operating hours (such as Members’ Previews), members receive complimentary invitations or discounted admission.
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Convenient discounted parking for MCA visitors is available in our parking garage. MCA Members receive a discount of $5 off the standard parking rate. Find more information on our Visit page.
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Yes. While visiting the MCA, we ask that members be respectful to all museum visitors, volunteers, and museum staff. If a member’s behavior is deemed inappropriate by staff, the member may be asked to leave. If there are multiple documented occurrences of disruptive behavior, the member may be asked to not attend further events, and/or the membership may be revoked without refund.
Online Services
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If you are a current MCA Member or a recently lapsed member, you already have an existing account. You simply need to activate it by logging in with the email address linked to your account and resetting your password. If you haven’t provided an email address, contact us at memberservices@mcachicago.org with a request to set up your online account.
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Contact us at memberservices@mcachicago.org with a request for email or login assistance or call us at 312-397-4040 during regular business hours.
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Log in and purchase tickets online or contact the Box Office directly at 312-397-4040 or boxoffice@mcachicago.org.
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Contact us at memberservices@mcachicago.org with a request for email and login assistance, or call 312-397-4040 during regular business hours.
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If you did not receive a confirmation email, check the junk mail folder in your email account. Make sure that your account is set to approve emails sent from @mcachicago.org. If you have lost your print-at-home tickets, you can call 312-397-4010 or email info@mcachicago.org and ask a Box Office associate to reprint and hold your tickets at Will Call.
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Because you are a member of a different museum, we are unable to verify your membership status online. When you arrive, just present your active membership card with the appropriate reciprocal stickers to Visitor Services.