The MCA's Free and Fabulous 40th

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 28, 2007 6:56PM

Starting Saturday, the MCA is free for all for 40 days to celebrate 40 years of bringing fun, engaging, and occasionally frustrating contemporary art to Chicago. Through November 14, your visit involves nothing more frustrating than remembering where you put your coat check tag and fighting massive crowds to see your favorite Warhol and Murakami.

It’s a gift to Chicago to be sure, but also a chance to reflect on four decades of freaky sculpture in the front plaza, ascending art stars, and major retrospectives:

Past

On display are Record Times: 40 Years from the MCA Archive, a celebration as history lesson, and the unimaginatively named Collection Highlights, featuring high-profile work from the 1940s through today.

Present

Saturday’s Opening Ceremony kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with free cupcakes. Delicious free tours and a free rock and roll panel discussion follows. Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock and Roll Since 1967 opens this weekend, examining how the artists and rockers intermingle. The collection focuses on rock hubs like London, NYC, L.A., and Cologne … but not Chicago. (What, our rock isn’t good enough for you?)

Future

MCA folk will ask you to give $40, become a member and enjoy Collection Highlights Part II for free whenever you want. And more members means an even bigger 50th birthday party.