All contemporary art museums to visit in Chicago

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 9 museums in Chicago. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in Chicago:

  1. The Art Institute of Chicago1

    The Art Institute of Chicago

     Chicago, IL
    The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) is a museum of visual arts located at 111 South Michigan Avenue in Grant Park, Chicago. It is one of the largest museums in the United States, second only to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The museum is affiliated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was established in 1879 as the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.
  2. Museum of Contemporary Art2

    Museum of Contemporary Art

     Chicago, IL
    The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago, established in 1967, is one of the largest museums for modern and contemporary art in the United States. It provides a comprehensive overview of art since 1945 and its collection largely chronologically follows the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
  3. The Museum of Contemporary Photography3

    The Museum of Contemporary Photography

     Chicago, IL
    The Museum of Contemporary Photography is situated in the Near South Side neighborhood on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other cultural and historical sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  4. Chicago Cultural Center4

    Chicago Cultural Center

     Chicago, IL
    The Chicago Cultural Center, which opened its doors in 1897, is a significant landmark in the city. It is managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events of Chicago. The center serves as the city's official reception venue, where the Mayor of Chicago has welcomed notable figures such as presidents, royalty, diplomats, and community leaders.
  5. Arts Club of Chicago5

    Arts Club of Chicago

     Chicago, IL
    The Arts Club of Chicago is a unique blend of a private club and a public exhibition space. It is situated in the Near North Side community area of Chicago, just a block east of the Magnificent Mile. The club is renowned for its exhibitions of international contemporary art, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.
  6. Smart Museum of Art6

    Smart Museum of Art

     Chicago, IL
    The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, situated on the University of Chicago campus, houses a permanent collection of over 15,000 objects. The museum is open to the public and does not charge an admission fee.
  7. Design Museum of Chicago7

    Design Museum of Chicago

     Chicago, IL
    The Design Museum of Chicago, also known as DMoC, was established in 2012 by Tanner Woodford. Initially, it functioned as a pop-up museum, hosting exhibitions in various venues across Chicago. This unique approach allowed the museum to reach a wide audience and showcase a diverse range of design works.
  8. The Renaissance Society8

    The Renaissance Society

     Chicago, IL
    The Renaissance Society, founded in 1915, is a contemporary art museum located in Chicago. It is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and exhibition of contemporary art, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts. Over the years, it has hosted pioneering exhibitions of renowned painters and sculptors such as Georges Braque, Hans Arp, Constantin Brâncuși, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Isamu Noguchi, Wassily Kandinsky, and Piet Mondrian.
  9. National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture9

    National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

     Chicago, IL
    The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, located in Chicago, is a unique institution dedicated to the interpretation and celebration of the arts and culture of the Puerto Rican people, as well as the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. The museum offers a rich insight into the vibrant Puerto Rican culture, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in cultural exploration.