I have been to many museums and I am a huge fan of art - This museum was a huge disappointment. We walked there from our hotel and - Wow, it was 1) A waste of time and 2) A waste of money. I didn't see much there that I haven't seen or isn't comparable to a High School Art Show. So..basically, If you've seen everything else in Chicago and wanna throw $20 away..go ahead. But - Your local High School art show will be much more personal and a lot cheaper. Oh, and feel free to take them up on their offer of a "complimentary" coat check..woah..they sure do go out of their way. Don't bother bringing your camera - you can't use it at all. Kind of odd that an art museum forbids photography ...Maybe I'm wrong but isn't that a FORM of ART? I will not be returning to this museum. I will not recommend it - ever.

We love museums..art, history, science, etc...So we decided to try out the Contempory Art museum. I was excited after reading some good reviews to see this museum and expected some very unique pieces. It did have some interesting pieces of art, but there was a significant paucity of paintings. The displys seemed to be mostly drawings or sketches or photographs with a big emphasis on construction type art--framed construction drawings, photos of houses being torn down, pieces of a roof or wall of a house in the middle of the room...We saw all this after Hurricane Katrina--just didn't know it was art! I was really hoping for some abstract paintings, sculptures that made me pause and think about the meaning, something with a message....There was not alot of material in the museum--not sure if that is the norm for this museum or if some exhibits were closed down. The museum shop, which we usually avoid, had more interesting pieces than the museum. Sorry if that's harsh. Trying to give an honest opinion...

The Art Institiute gets a little stuffy and overwhelming but the MCA is always fresh. Get ready see things you've never seen before. Be careful and check their website first for the exhibit schedule. I have been there when it seems like nothing is on display because there in transition between exhibits.

This museum is outstanding b/c it is contemporary and multi-sensual. I'm an art fan, but I'll admit, some modern art leaves me cold and quizical. This museum, however, features exhibits by artists working in multiple mediums, and questions art by explorations through "non-traditional"means (sound was used pervasively to strong effect). This museum does not have a pretensious feel. Quite enjoyable and interactive.