October 14 – 15
The Fine Arts Building is participating in the Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago on October 14 and 15 for an exciting weekend of architectural discoveries and delights! We’re so excited to participating this year as a part of our special 125th Anniversary as Chicago’s premier artists haven since 1898.
Explore all 10 floors of artistry at the Fine Arts Building, including the majestic Studebaker Theater, Art Nouveau murals, and much more. New placards throughout feature prominent tenants and two new galleries with stories from the building’s history.
The Fine Arts Building was originally a carriage assembly plant and showroom for the Studebaker Company. It was designed by Solon Spencer Beman and opened in 1885. An extensive 1898 remodeling converted it into a home for what is now one of the nation’s oldest artist communities, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Its rented studios, offices and shops have housed some of the city’s most illustrious literary and artistic talents, including Frank Lloyd Wright, sculptor Lorado Taft and Wizard of Oz illustrator W. W. Denslow. The interior features stunning Art Nouveau decorative details and murals dating from the 1898 renovation. The building continues to house art galleries, theater and performing arts studios and other arts-related businesses. The property also houses the magnificent Studebaker Theater, which was renovated in 2022.