Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Westchester

"The MCA is one of the city’s museums that’s in a near constant state of transition. With its relatively small permanent collection, it relies on special shows—from large scale installations to video, fashion, music, photography, and more—that showcase just as many rising local talents and underground, avant-garde renegades as recognizable names. Past exhibits include David Bowie Is, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg, and Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago — better known as the MCA — is a triple threat. There’s a constant rotation of thought-provoking works and artist retrospectives in the galleries; a cutting-edge mix of dance, music, and theater on the stage; and a menu of seasonal cuisine from a top Chicago chef in the kitchen. If you can visit in the warm-weather months, alfresco concerts and outdoor installations add to the mix."

"Then, head over to the Mexican Art Museum. This is the largest collection of Latino artwork in the United States. If you’re at all interested in the fascinating, diverse world of Mexican art, it’s worth spending at least two hours here. It even has free admission."

"Part of Columbia College Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Photography contains images by some of America’s greatest photographers. This includes Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. A particular highlight is the Farm Security Administration collection of images, which portray life during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl."

"Established in 1984 by Columbia College in Chicago, the MoCP has become the leading photographic museum in the Midwest. It houses a collection of over 10,000 images dating back to 1936. The MoCP also founded the Midwest Photographers Project, that has the goal to encourage and support emerging artists."

"The small but mighty Museum of Contemporary Photography has a permanent collection. Many works such as old photographs, contemporary works, a large Dorothea Lange collection are in this museum. Farm Security Administration photos from the same period are the hidden gem of this place."

"Nestled on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, the Smart Museum houses more than 15,000 artworks, ranging from European paintings and Asian arts to contemporary and modern art. This is also home to The H. C. Westermann Study Collection, which is one of the most significant public collections of artwork and archival material related to the artist’s life and work. Bonus: the Smart Museum is free."

"The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is a modern art museum in Chicago's Ukrainian village. The UIMA, founded in 1971, hosts exhibits, book readings, film screenings, recitals, and theater. The UIMA has been a fixture in its neighborhood for more than 40 years and is one of 25 members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance."

"A South Side breakfast staple has been reborn have a two-year hiatus. Ms. Biscuit has an illustrious history that started in Woodlawn before moving to Washington Park. Ms. Biscuit reopened in early March and while Chicago isn’t known for its biscuits, this neighborhood stalwart serves biscuits that would make a southerner blush."

"After a two-year hiatus, this popular South Side eatery has returned. Now run by the family of the original owners, Bob and Juanita Johnson, Ms. Biscuit serves terrific buttery biscuits and a host of breakfast staples like skillets, omelets, waffles, pancakes, and more. View this post on Instagram"

"It’s only fitting that one of gay culture’s leading figures, Oscar Wilde, be given a restaurant in his honor in Boystown, Chicago. The Wilde Bar & Restaurant channels Wilde’s Irish homeland with an extensive beer selection and many traditional Irish dishes. For brunch, the restaurant offers a wide variety of breakfast specials along with a host of fruity breakfast drinks, from morning mojitos to blueberry açai with Chambord liquor."

"Southport's main claim to fame is this 1929 movie house, which shows independent and classic films on its two screens. Live organ music…"

"Jess Café specializes in Asian cuisine ranging from Chinese to Malaysian food. Their food is undoubtedly delicious and they also have an impressive selection of drinks including their popular bubble tea options. Jess Café is famous for fresh and richly flavored bubble teas that have the perfect texture from soft and well-prepared tapioca pearls."

"A post shared by Tummy Growl (@tummy.growl) on Mar 24, 2018 at 4:14pm PDT. If you’re looking for Asian food that is cheap and good, Jess Cafe ticks both boxes!. At this Pan-Asian food haven, you’ll be spoilt for choice by their wide selection of Cantonese, Thai and Korean dishes."