In just a few weeks, the Museum of Contemporary Art will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the opening of its summer exhibition, "The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg"—a collection of paintings and sculptures by acclaimed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. To celebrate the arrival of the exhibit and mark the opening of its newly-renovated facilities, the MCA is throwing an exclusive gala that will include a preview of its Murakami display and a special musical guest.
The ArtEdge: 50 gala will take place on June 3, beginning with a cocktail reception in the MCA's lobby, where guests will be invited to take a peek at Murakami's work. After a multi-course dinner (including Murakami-inspired hors d'oeuvres) served in a tent in the museum's courtyard, the evening will culminate in a concert curated by Pharrell Williams (a Murakami collaborator), who has tapped R&B singer-songwriter and actress Janelle Monáe as the headlining act.
Before you get too excited, you should know that tickets to the gala aren't cheap: Admission for a single guest is $2,500 and tables for ten range from $50,000 to $100,000. However, the MCA is offering a limited number of concert-only tickets for $250, which include a preview of the Murakami exhibit as well as dessert and admission to Janelle Monáe's performance. It's still not exactly affordable, but it's the most inexpensive way to attend the most exciting portions of the event. Concert-only tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 2 at noon, and can be purchased by calling the MCA Box Office at 312-397-4010.
Even if you can't drop a considerable chunk of change on tickets to the gala, you'll still be able to see Murakami's "The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg" exhibit when it opens at the MCA on June 6 and runs through September 24.
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