Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is one of the city's leading art museums, a short walk from the Magnificent Mile in Streeterville. It hosts weddings across its sculpture garden, terrace, galleries and theater, giving couples a modern, art-filled setting in the heart of downtown.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

GLW suggests the MCA for couples who want their wedding surrounded by bold, current art. The museum gives you a choice of indoor and outdoor spaces, and its own catering team handles all food and drink, so one team looks after the whole evening from the first drink to the last dance. It suits couples who care about design and want a venue with a clear point of view. Exhibitions change through the year, so the art around your dinner will be particular to your date.

Ceremonies

The sculpture garden and terrace give you outdoor options in warmer months, and the indoor spaces offer a backup or an alternative. The Edlis Neeson Theater can also be hired. Ceremony chairs are arranged separately from the rental, so factor them into your plans.

Receptions and food

Dinners can take place in the second-floor galleries, or in the sculpture garden or terrace, which can be tented for up to 500 guests. Tables, chairs and lounge furniture are included for many setups, although ceremony and dinner chairs are extra. MCA Catering is the sole provider of food and drink, including the bar, so menus and service come from one in-house team.

Getting there and the area

The museum sits at 220 E Chicago Avenue, between the Magnificent Mile and the lake. The Chicago stop on the Red Line is a short walk west, and plenty of hotels are close by. A public parking ramp at Chicago and Fairbanks offers a discounted flat rate for guests, validated at the coat check, and a smaller garage at the museum address has self-parking. The historic Water Tower and Lake Shore Park are both nearby.

Good to know

• Tented garden and terrace dinners for up to 500.
• MCA Catering provides all food and drink.
• Accessible entrances, elevators and restrooms.