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Rentals at the MCA

Interested in hosting your next event at the MCA? Tell us about your rental needs or schedule a walkthrough by submitting an information request. You can also contact us via email or by phone, 312-397-4017, Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm.

For Marisol private dining inquiries, visit marisolchicago.com.

Revenue from private rentals helps sustain MCA programming and exhibitions. Thank you for your support!

Weddings

Unique, sophisticated, and home to some of the most important art of our time, the MCA also boasts an Atrium, Terrace, and Sculpture Garden with striking views of Lake Michigan. These customizable accommodations are perfect for designing a truly contemporary event. Why settle for ordinary?

For information on pricing and spaces, view our rental brochure.

Corporate & Social Events

Featuring spacious and flexible event spaces, the MCA provides a sophisticated and distinct setting for your company’s event. Our unique indoor/outdoor event spaces will impress your guests and inspire creativity among colleagues. In addition, your guests are just steps away from the MCA’s collection and special exhibitions, adding an artful twist to your event.

For information on pricing and spaces, view our rental brochure.

Edlis Neeson Theater

The state-of-the -art Edlis Neeson Theater is the perfect location for annual meetings, award ceremonies, private performances, product launches, film premieres, and more. The 300-seat, wheelchair-accessible space features elegant oak-paneled walls and tiered seating, ensuring that everyone has the best seat in the house.

For information on pricing, view our rental brochure.

Looking to book the Edlis Neeson Theater? Check out the technical specifications of the space to see if we can accommodate your needs.

Marisol Private Dining Room

Seasonally agile dishes served amidst stunning decor in an art-filled atmosphere—the Private Dining Room in Marisol is available to make any event a memorable experience. Whether a corporate lunch or an intimate family reception, the 40-person private dining room on the museum's street level is the ideal location for any contemporary gathering. Inquire about date availability by filling out our form. We hope to host you soon.

Other MCA Amenities

Want to make your event even more unique? Gain a close-and-personal view of our exhibitions by booking a private tour. Learn more about our tour offerings on our Tours page.

The MCA Store offers a wide variety of items by contemporary designers and artists—and at all price points—that your guests will love.

FAQs

Yes. The MCA has a convenient public parking ramp located at Chicago and Fairbanks. All guests and vendors are offered our flat-rate parking discount during your special event. Guests can pick up a parking validation during the event at coat check. Fully paid parking vouchers are also available for purchase. Please contact us for more details. Find additional information and directions to the MCA on our Visit page.

Yes. MCA Catering is our exclusive in-house catering partner. All food and beverage (including alcohol) for your event must be purchased through MCA Catering. Tenting for events must also be approved by our approved vendor. Please contact us for more details.

Managers from the MCA rentals team and the MCA Catering team will be on site from start to finish on your event day—from setup until every vendor leaves the building. The MCA also provides security, housekeeping, and a building engineer on site during your event.

Yes, access to the 2nd floor galleries is included in the rental fee, but open no later than 11 pm. Galleries on the upper floors can be available for an additional fee. Food and drink are not permitted inside of the galleries. Rental of the theater does not include gallery access.

The MCA is pleased to offer complimentary use of our tables, chairs, and lounge furniture on site. We have 66-inch round tables, high boys, and café tables. Ceremony and dinner chairs are not included in the rental fee. Please inquire for additional information.

Yes. In our standard rental fee, complimentary staffed coat check services are included.

Yes, for an additional fee, we have an in-house team that can address your AV and Production needs.

Yes. We allow vendors to begin load in 1 1/2 hours prior to your event start time (e.g. 4:30 pm for a 6 pm start time). Set up must occur after the museum closes. We also include 1 1/2 hours of breakdown time once your event ends. If your vendors require extensive setup or breakdown times, please notify us to discuss their specific needs and we will try to accommodate them.

Yes. The MCA has accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms.

The museum requires a 50% nonrefundable deposit with a signed facility rental contract. Your final facility rental balance is due six weeks prior to your event. MCA Catering also requires a signed catering contract and a nonrefundable deposit at the time of booking. Catering must be paid in full the week prior to your event.

Yes. The MCA is pleased to have some of the city's best hotel partners: Aloft Mag Mile, Park Hyatt Chicago, and the Whitehall Hotel

We would be happy to set up a personal site visit to show you the museum and discuss your event. Site visits typically take place Tuesday-Thursday during business hours (10am-4pm). A walkthrough takes about 30-45 minutes. Please contact us to set up a time.

Absolutely! The Edlis Neeson Theater is available for lectures, performances, and events. Take a look at the rental page or review the technical specifications.