Over the past few years, the Adler Planetarium and the Art Institute of Chicago have hosted periodic "after-dark" events that allow adults to congregate (and imbibe) while enjoying exhibitions during hours when the museums are usually closed. Next month, the Museum of Contemporary Art is expanding upon that concept with its new after-hours series called MCA Prime Time. The events will allow local artists, chefs and cultural organizations to make use of the venue, setting up unique installations and experiences for attendees to enjoy.
For its inaugural event on October 2, the MCA is partnering with Land & Sea Dept.—the project design studio responsible for Longman & Eagle, Parson's Chicken & Fish and Lost Lake—to curate an evening of music, art and food. Centered around the theme of "vibes," the evening will include a performance by eccentric electropop artist Dan Deacon, live screen-printing workshops by Hit + Run, an interactive Smartphone Symphony and a pop-up market featuring goods from Sonnenzimmer, The Pitchfork Review, Drag City and more. Some Land & Sea Dept. bars and restaurants will also set up in the museum, offering food and cocktails from Parson's, Lost Lake, Thank You and Longman & Eagle.
The series will take place three times each year, with future events curated by Pitchfork and local music venues Metro and SmartBar. Tickets for the first MCA Prime Time event are on sale now ($15 in advance, $20 at the door), but you better act quickly if you want to sip one of Parson's negroni slushy while listening to "The Crystal Cat."