Easy Access Chicago

Museum of Contemporary Art

 

220 E. Chicago Ave. (Cross Street: Mies van der Ro
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone Number: (312) 280-2660
TTY: (312) 397-4006
www.mcachicago.org

The MCA, one of the nation's leading centers for contemporary art, is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. The museum offers a dynamic mix of exhibitions, performances, collections and educational programs, with offerings to suit all age groups. It also boasts a popular restaurant, Puck's at the MCA, which overlooks the terraced sculpture garden. Free guided tours are offered daily.

Hours:

  • Tues 10am-8pm
  • Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
  • Closed Mondays

Admission:

  • Please see the museum website for current pricing and discounts
  • Children 12 and under free
  • Members of military free
  • Free admission on Tuesdays

Parking/Loading Zone

  • Accessible loading zone
  • Onsite parking garage
    • Designated accessible spaces
  • Note: Garage is run by InterPark, 220 E. Chicago, 312-985-2024
    • Accessible entrance from the garage is on the 2nd level, but one must call ahead to the museum to be admitted
    • Validate parking ticket at admissions to receive discount

Educational Programs

  • Types
    • Gallery tours
    • Workshops/classes
    • Lectures
    • Artist talks
  • Ages served
    • Adults
    • Teens/adolescents
    • Children
  • Disabilities served
    • All, no targeted programming

Hearing >>  

Features for People with Hearing Loss

  • Assistive listening system
    • Devices available from admission desk
  • Sign language interpretation-on request for tours and programs
    • Call 312-397-3837 or 312-397-4006 TTY
    • Advance notice required
  • Captioning of videos/films
  • Strobe alarms in public areas and restrooms
  • Elevator has visual indicators
  • Public phone with volume control
  • TTY public phone
    • Location(s)-lobby near theatre

<< Info Vision >>  

Features for People with Vision Loss

  • Information in alternate formats-Braille guides
    • Available from-admission desks
  • Recorded audio tour-for specific exhibitions
    • On I-pods from admission desks and downloadable online
    • Languages-English
  • Guided tour/orientation-on request
    • Call 312-397-3837. Advance notice required.
  • Exhibit labels-large print/high contrast/non-glossy labels for exhibits
  • Interior signage-large print/high contrast/non-glare
  • Server will read menu on request
  • Height clearance at least 80"
  • No undetectable protruding objects in path of travel
  • Braille/tactile signage-restroom, elevator controls, hoistways
  • Elevator has audible indicators
  • Nearest grassy/dog relief area
    • Schulman Park, across street
  • Note: Magnifying glasses are also available at the admission desks

<< Hearing Mobility >>  

Entry

  • Level entry
  • Door has at least 32" clearance
  • Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
  • 2 doors in series-adequate space between
  • Automatic or push button door

Assistive Equipment for People with Physical Disabilities

  • Wheelchair
  • Available from cloakrooms

Interior Access

  • Corridor/path of travel at least 36" wide
  • Power-assist/push-button doors to restaurant

Exterior Access-sculpture terrace

  • Corridor/path of travel at least 36" wide
  • Stable/non-slip surface
  • Surface material-paving
  • Ramps provide access between levels

Accessible Facilities/Amenities

  • Restaurant/Cafe
  • Accessible restroom in or near the restaurant
  • Information Counter-36" max.
  • Ticketing-36" max. counter/section
  • Brochures
  • Museum shop
  • 36" max. counter/ section
  • Space to turn/maneuver
  • Elevator just outside links ground and main floor shops
  • Seating-benches without arms
  • Public Phone-54" max. to top control for side approach
  • Drinking Fountain

Performance Space

  • MCA Theatre, lobby level
  • Fixed seating
  • Wheelchair seating
    • Four Spaces
    • Locations-front, both sides
  • Companion seating
    • Moveable, alongside
  • Note:
    • Patrons using wheelchairs are escorted by elevator to the accessible seating area
    • For larger groups, the lower rows of seats can be removed to create an area level with the stage that can accommodate 20 or more persons in wheelchairs

Exhibits

  • On accessible route
  • Space to approach/view/maneuver
  • Freestanding cases 36"-39" max.
  • Wall hung cases 36-39" max. bottom level
  • Wall hung displays 54" to center line-see note
  • Items viewed from above, 36" to top of item/case
  • Interactive displays are wheelchair accessible
  • Interactive displays have easy to use controls
  • Labels are viewable from seated position-54" to top
  • Note: MCA standard is 54"-60" for wall hung displays

Elevator

  • Door clearance at least 36"
  • Car size at least 54" x 80" with centered door or 54" x 68" with side door
  • Elevator controls 54" or less

Restaurant-Puck's at the MCA

  • Pay at table
  • Wheelchair accessible tables
    • Knee clearance at least 27" high by 30" wide
    • Surface no more than 34" high
    • Pedestal does not block toe clearance
  • 36" path to/between tables
  • Chairs with arms
  • Note:
    • Open for lunch and Sunday brunch only
    • Reservations recommended by calling 312-397-4034
    • Museum admission is not required to dine

Café-Puck's Express

  • Menu on sign/wall only
  • Counter service only
  • Server will assist/carry food to table
  • Wheelchair accessible tables
    • Knee clearance at least 27" high by 30" wide
    • Surface no more than 34" high
    • Pedestal does not block toe clearance
  • 36" path to/between tables
  • Chairs with arms
  • Note: 48" counter is open at ends for interaction with patrons using wheelchairs

<< Vision Restroom >>  

Restroom

  • Men's and Women's
  • Location-Lobby near theatre
  • Entry door at least 32" clearance
  • Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
  • Space in restroom to maneuver-5' by 5' or T-shaped space to turn
  • Stall door at least 32" clearance
  • Stall door swings out or has clearance beyond door swing
  • Grab bar behind and alongside toilet
  • Ambulatory stall-grab bars on both sides of raised toilet
  • Lateral transfer space at least 30" wide
  • Toilet height 17" to 19"
  • Roll under sink with knee clearance at least 27" high and 30" wide
  • Mirror 40" or less from floor or tilted
  • Towels/soap/vending within reach-48" or less from floor
  • Faucet controls automatic or lever type
  • Latch operable with closed fist
  • Easy grasp/lever handle or none
  • Notes:
    • Lobby restroom has 2 wheelchair stalls and 2 ambulatory stalls
    • A unisex accessible restroom, located in Puck's Express, lacks easy grasp/lever door handle and latch

<< Mobility  

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