The Museum of Contemporary Photography is a compact gallery at Columbia College Chicago, at 600 S Michigan Ave. Its changing exhibitions bring together contemporary work by photographers from the Midwest and around the world, with images that explore artistic, cultural and social themes. The collection includes more than 15,000 photographs, though only a selection is on view at a time. Admission is free, with donations welcomed. Check the museum’s website for current exhibitions and events before you go; an hour is enough for a considered visit.
A photography museum at Columbia College
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is part of Columbia College Chicago and is located at 600 S Michigan Ave. Founded by the college in 1976, it focuses on photography and its artistic, cultural and political roles. The galleries are compact, so the visit is more like seeing a focused exhibition than touring a large museum.
The museum’s collection holds more than 15,000 photographs. Its exhibitions change regularly, drawing on the collection and presenting work by established and emerging photographers. Because only part of the collection can be on view at once, the exhibitions are a good reason to check what is showing before you make the trip.
Regional work and changing exhibitions
The Midwest Photographers Project presents portfolios by photographers connected to the region. The work examines different social experiences, and the featured portfolios rotate. Other exhibitions bring together contemporary photography from the United States and elsewhere, including images concerned with social and political subjects.
The collection also includes work by photographers such as Dorothea Lange, whose images documented the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. What you see in the galleries depends on the current display, so do not expect every work in the collection to be on view during a single visit.
Tours, events and planning your visit
The museum holds discussions and educational events, and docent-led tours are available. Check the museum’s website for the current exhibition schedule and upcoming programs. The galleries are small enough for a short stop, though taking time with the photographs and any accompanying interpretation makes an hour a useful allowance.
Admission is free, and donations are welcome. The museum is open later on Thursdays, until 8 p.m.; on its other open days it closes at 5 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. The building has wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators and restrooms.
Perguntas frequentes
Is admission to the Museum of Contemporary Photography free?
Yes. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
How long should I plan for a visit?
About an hour is a useful allowance for the compact exhibition space.
When is the museum open late?
On Thursdays, it stays open until 8 p.m. It closes at 5 p.m. on its other open days and is closed on Sundays.
What can I see at the museum?
Exhibitions change regularly and include contemporary photography by Midwest and international artists. The collection also includes work by Dorothea Lange.
