Chicago's Fine Arts Building - Architecture

Nestled in the vibrant cultural landscape of downtown Chicago, the Fine Arts Building, an architectural gem, has stood as a testament to creativity and craftsmanship since its inception in 1898. As you traverse the ornate corridors, walk up and down the grand staircase, and ride some of the last manually operated elevators in the city, you'll be transported back in time to an era when the arts flourished. The Fine Arts Building, originally built in 1887, housed the Studebaker Carriage Company’s showroom and factory. This guided tour will unravel the stories embedded in the building's exquisite architecture, highlighting its role in fostering creativity. Explore the floors that once housed studios of influential artists, musicians, and writers, immersing yourself in the same spaces that inspired the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, Lorado Taft, and Sherwood Anderson. Every corner of the Fine Arts Building whispers tales of the creative and enduring spirit of Chicago's artistic heritage. Designed by Solon S. Beman, the architect behind the Pullman Palace Car Company, the building served as a hub for Chicago's burgeoning arts scene in the late 19th century. Now, 125 years later, it continues to play the same pivotal role, preserving the old and perpetuating a new and exciting artistic colony within its historic walls.