On October 17, 2025, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago revealed a captivating collection of 23 unique items to celebrate the much-anticipated exhibition, Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind. This exhibition is a monumental moment in the art world, shedding light on Yoko Ono’s extensive and often underappreciated influence across multiple artistic disciplines. The collection, which includes custom posters, T-shirts, tote bags, hoodies, hats, and a reissue of Ono’s seminal work Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings, brings Ono’s visionary conceptual art into the public consciousness in new and accessible ways.
The MCA’s exhibition serves as both a tribute to Ono’s remarkable contributions to contemporary art and an immersive experience for visitors. As one of the most avant-garde and progressive artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, Ono has left an indelible mark on both the art and music worlds. Through her provocative and often interactive approach to art, she has consistently challenged the boundaries of creativity and encouraged audiences to rethink how they engage with the world around them. Music of the Mind offers visitors a rich and detailed exploration of Ono’s approach to art, blending her music, visual arts, and performance pieces in a celebration of her expansive career.
The exhibition’s merchandise collection highlights Ono’s ability to blend high art with popular culture, offering a fresh perspective on her creative legacy. Each item, from the T-shirts to the posters and hoodies, has been designed to embody the essence of Ono’s artistic language—an art that is simple yet profound, open-ended yet deeply thought-provoking. These items are more than just souvenirs; they are tangible expressions of Ono’s belief in the power of art to influence everyday life and the ways in which even the most casual of items can carry profound meaning.
One of the standout pieces of the exhibition is the re-release of Grapefruit, a work that remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1964. The book, a collection of conceptual instructions and drawings, is one of Ono’s earliest and most influential works, laying the groundwork for much of her later output. Through simple yet evocative instructions, Grapefruit challenges the notion of what art is and can be. The act of following a conceptual instruction, whether it involves creating art or engaging with one’s environment in a new way, opens up new possibilities for how we think about art and the world around us. This book, like much of Ono’s work, urges viewers to see the ordinary in extraordinary ways, transforming simple actions into profound statements.
The MCA’s Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind exhibition underscores the continued importance of Ono’s work in the current cultural landscape. Although often overshadowed by her association with John Lennon, Ono’s artistic career stands independently as a powerful testament to her innovative spirit. Her art is not just an intellectual pursuit; it is an invitation for the audience to engage in a deeper dialogue about their own lives and the society they live in. Ono’s work invites an active form of participation, asking the viewer not just to look but to experience and reflect.
Beyond the physical objects, the exhibition also features audio and visual elements that give life to Ono’s legacy, such as recordings of her performances, interactive installations, and visual works that explore the theme of transformation—both personal and social. These elements offer a glimpse into Ono’s holistic approach to art, where music, visuals, and action merge to create an experience that transcends traditional mediums.
The unveiling of Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind marks a significant cultural event in Chicago, highlighting not only Ono’s personal artistic achievements but also her broader influence on the way art is perceived and experienced in the modern world. The exhibition serves as both a historical overview and a current celebration of her ongoing relevance, proving that Ono’s contributions to art continue to inspire and provoke thought today, just as they have for decades.
For the city of Chicago and its residents, the exhibition represents an opportunity to engage with an artist who redefined the relationship between art and audience, making it interactive, thought-provoking, and accessible to all. As visitors explore the MCA’s exhibition and engage with the merchandise collection, they are invited to not only learn about Ono’s legacy but also to reflect on their own place within the ever-evolving world of contemporary art. The MCA has created a space where art, culture, and activism meet, providing a dynamic and engaging experience for all who walk through its doors.
In an era where the boundaries of art continue to be tested and expanded, Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind offers a timely and poignant reminder of how one artist’s vision can change the way we view the world. The MCA’s exhibition is more than just a retrospective; it is an invitation to reflect on the power of art to challenge, inspire, and transform.