Featuring the most thought-provoking art exhibitions, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is one of the nation's premier facilities dedicated to the art of our time (" About MCA » ). The MCA's mission is to provide the public with a direct experience of modern art and living artists. German architect Joseph Paul Kleihues designed the new building with seven times more square footage than his previous facility (“The Building”). In October 1967, the museum opened its doors to the public for the first time. The Museum of Contemporary Art is a symbol of modern art, culture and the artist of our time. It is a stepping stone in history and will leave imprints in the heart of Chicago for many generations to come. The building not only offers art, but also opportunities for many occasions such as weddings, sit-down dinners, corporate parties and private performances. The theater seats three hundred people and the lobby is available before and after the performance. Theater rental costs $3,000 for four hours and $500 for each additional hour. Rental of the ground floor as well as the third and fourth floors must be rented together and costs approximately $6,500 for five hours and $1,200 for each additional hour. (“Rental Rates”). The Warehouse, typically used for black-tie events and sit-down dinners, costs $1,500 to $1,550 for four hours and $500 for each additional hour. The elegance and sophistication of the building and its work are worth every penny. Puck's Diner is also featured inside the museum. Chef Wolfgang Puck "has partnered with the museum to create an exciting dining destination in the heart of Chicago's beautiful mile" ("Puck's at the MCA"). This trendy restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean and Asian influences as well as a daily express ...... middle of paper ...... educational resources and programs for audiences of all ages ("Education Reports"). The Museum of Contemporary Art exerts a highly cultural, diverse and modern influence on the public. Museum employees go out of their way every day to offer more to the public, with new exhibits, showcases, shows and more, many say the experience is one of great extravagance. The Museum of Contemporary Art is a symbol of modern art, culture and the artist of our time. It is a stepping stone in history and will leave imprints in the heart of Chicago for many generations to come. Works Cited Bader, Graham. “Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art”. Artforum September 2008. Lucas, Amy. “History of MCA” http://www.mcachicago.org/information/history.php?page=ihistPlagens, Peter. “Chicago's New Hope: Museum of Contemporary Art Building. » Newsweek June 17.