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David Bowie Exhibit Breaks Record at Museum of Contemporary Art

 A retrospective of the rock star's works was the most-attended exhibit in the history of the Museum of Contemporary Art. 
'David Bowie Is' at MCA
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STREETERVILLE — After wrapping up a 15-week run, "David Bowie Is" is the most-attended exhibit ever at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 

More than 193,000 people visited the glam rocker retrospective, breaking the attendance record for a single exhibit in the MCA's 47-year history, the museum said Tuesday. The previous record-holder was a 2009 exhibit on sculptor Olafur Eliasson, which 163,000 people attended.

The first international exhibit on David Bowie, "David Bowie Is" opened in September and ran through Sunday. The exhibit showcased Bowie throughout his long pioneering career, and was intended to attract new audiences to the MCA, a museum spokeswoman said. 

The ploy was successful, with the exhibit drawing newcomers and celebrities including Billy Corgan, Neil Young, and Usher, the museum said.

"It was an ideal bridge to connect with new audiences who are interested in the mutltidisciplinary arts that have always been a hallmark for the museum," MCA Director Madeleine Grynsztejn said in a statement. 

The exhibit heads next to Paris, where it will open in March. The MCA's next major show, an exhibit on Doris Salcedo, opens Feb. 21.

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