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Fine Arts Building
410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
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Da
Review №1

The elevator here is SO cool! Great way to spend a rainy afternoon while waiting for hubby to finish his dental appointment. Love the thousands of things this city has to offer to pass the time rather than sticking my nose to my phone!

Sa
Review №2

Marvelous office and private studio space open to the public. Interesting architecture. Always a pleasure walking the halls of this space as it usually is filled with the sounds of voice/piano/string/music lessons.

Er
Review №3

We come here to visit William Harris and Lee. Building is beautiful and has old elevators that require actual elevator operators.

Wi
Review №4

I liked this place. Its clear that electricity is aftermarket, tho.Might be the last manually operated elevator in the city. Does make me nervous when it moves when adding or subtracting any weight, though.A bit unnerving and pretty ugly the way electricity updates (?) were executed over the elevators). The grandfather clause is alive and well. Its about 9 floors tall with wide-open stairways (looks unique but a bad idea, fire-wise, they act like a chimney, see Our Lady of Angels fire), glass elevator shafts (same problem if theres a fire), and sprinkler system? No, i dont see anything like that.Ignore Maps if it says anything other than Adams street off the brown line. Or, i think the art museum subway on red line would be there, too. FA building is a few blocks away from there.There is a nice bookstore that used to have a cat. It smells really bad in there, tho. Even though they painted. Yucky. Couldnt figure out if the stupid thing sprayed all over the place, or what. If you have allergies, youll probably remember right away, too.

Vi
Review №5

Beautiful old building! When you walk in the foyer you can tell that the floors not even. It added to the beauty! There was a separate entrance those in wheelchairs or crutches with separate restrooms. Made it nice since I was on crutches. Foyer is very spacious so it was easy to walk around! I wish I could have taken the staircases, but I had to take the elevator. It was nice to have someone running the elevator. We had good seats. I was impressed with the steps to the seats. They were not too steep or shallow. Of course The Nutcracker was fabulous!

Ki
Review №6

Beautiful old building on South Michigan Ave. Elevators alone are worth a look.

Je
Review №7

This historic building with its old school elevator (complete with elevator operator) is incredible. Take the elevator up to the 10th floor and head into Curtis Hall. After checking to make sure there are no performances going on, head for an incredible view of the lake front. Then, if you’re able, head down the stairs a floor at a time to check out some stunning murals, peek into some shops(like hand made violins), and listen to artists practicing their craft in studios.

Ch
Review №8

A beautiful historic site, the Fine Arts Building also hosts a number of programs and lessons. If you’re just passing through, consider riding the attended (!) elevator up to the second floor and checking out the cozy sun-soaked secondhand bookstore before walking back down the marble staircase.

Jo
Review №9

What a cool place to visit! The elevators have real people running them. Its quaint, and functional. Besides that, it is character filled with the architecture that Id expect from downtown Chicago.

Je
Review №10

Really quaint theatre but with very comfortable seating for everyone to get a full viewing experience no matter where in the theater you are at! Go see a show here if you want a nice intimate concert or theater experience!

Ha
Review №11

Absolutely gorgeous building, worth it just for the elevators! A must see in the city (when its safe to travel again of course)

Da
Review №12

Charming and dazzling and filled with light and life. Experience well worthwhile. Go there and become a part of it. You wont be disappointed.

De
Review №13

I love it. I was born and raised in Chicago, so this is home for me. Even though I live out of state now, I still travel back for the Joffrey. Its a tradition for my daughter and me. We saw The Nutcracker, World Fair this past December. Wonderful.

Gl
Review №14

This is definitely one of the older building in the city. Love the old fashion elevators and old staircases. Building is the hub for many musical education opportunities as well as entertainment venues. Very busy..

Ma
Review №15

The elevators are a must! Theyre the only manually operated elevators in Chicago. The building itself is also incredibly unique and very fun to explore. The second Friday of every month they host an open house where you can explore the building and see artists at work. I believe that starts at 5. Id also recommend poking your head into the book shop on the second floor. They have a great selection of used books in great condition for a great price.

Ma
Review №16

Historic building with great interior design that hosts a theater and different studios and workshops.Studios have open house every 2nd Friday a month.

Ha
Review №17

Saw a great concert here! Hope to see cultured community events continue to be held here for decades to come. The building itself is absolutely gorgeous.

Ma
Review №18

Attended as a birthday group on March 7, 2020. Had a great time time. Our hosts John and Ashley did a spectacular job of keeping us entertained and laughing.

M
Review №19

Beautiful building that houses music, dance, yoga, and professional services. I enjoy entering this building and seeing people dining at the Artist Cafe on the first floor. No carpets to be seen, just gorgeous architecture. When you take the elevator be sure to tell the operator what floor. Take the stairs down so you can see what is all offered on each floor.

A.
Review №20

Seating is super tight. Knees were pressed against the seats in front of me and Im only 53 1/2 tall. The sound, stage, ambiance and production were all very nice. The seating detracted from what you were watching due to the discomfort.

Na
Review №21

Only visited as it wasnt far from where we were. Old building with some original features. Try the lift- it is still being controlled by a person sitting inside- amazing experience!

De
Review №22

The ballet was amazing their performance was the best Ive seen. The seats were situated so everyone could see. The staff was courteous and helpful.

Ni
Review №23

Went to see Alvin Ailey. Great show. I love the theater. Its so classic and beautiful

Ch
Review №24

The interior is spectacular! There are tile mosaics all over the walls and ceiling. Check the schedule before your visit theres always something going on at the Cultural Center. Many of the programs are free of charge. if youre not interested in any of the programs its definitely worth it to just stop by and appreciate the architecture.

Je
Review №25

Love the character of the building.

Mj
Review №26

HIGHLY RECOMMEND visiting William Harris Lee & Co on the 5th floor. Even if you don’t know anything about instruments (like me), they take the time to walk you through the shop and even give you a free tour! The market for violins is very scarce in the USA and seeing such a high quality shop is so lovely. I was blown out of the water.

A
Review №27

My family and I went to see Too Got To HandleThe Jazz Gospel Messiah it left me in amazement truly a wonderful show, I will go back and see it every year. The theater is a wonder to see as well a work of art.

El
Review №28

Beautiful building. The architecture is wonderful. The sound and visual was wonderful. The seats could use up dating and the seating is not ADA friendly, compliant but not friendly.

Ci
Review №29

Gorgeous! This building has antique elevators still in operation. The second floor has an amazing used book shop that I highly recommend getting lost in.

Er
Review №30

Had to stand outside for an hour and a half, which wasnt fun. But the show was great and the venue fantastic! Would definitely return

B
Review №31

Beautiful building, tons of history (maybe some ghosts?). Open to the public, come ride in the old school elevators!

Da
Review №32

The seats were more remembered than the event. Either make it passably comfortable or tear it down. Im not going back regardless of the show

ja
Review №33

Beautiful building with great acoustics. The venue has trouble accommodating sold out show crowds.

R
Review №34

I love being on the main floor, but honestly I dont think there are any bad seats at the Auditorium Theatre

De
Review №35

A beautiful older building. I havent been inside the building in a few years, but the decor was gorgeous. It has so much history.

Mi
Review №36

While it was beautiful inside and I loved the show, we had to wait outside with nearly 4,000 people because their ticket reading system went down and they werent properly staffed for a sold out show.

El
Review №37

Beautiful historical building. With plentiful seating and open viewing of the stage.

Sa
Review №38

Such a beautiful building with a manually operated elevator. One of the only ones left in the city.

Ms
Review №39

This is a historic building. I was amazed by the elevator being so old. Visited Escape Room. Nice experience.

Ke
Review №40

Its really an old place and looks really neat. Just couldnt help but think it would be a terrible place to be if there was a fire, worse than most.

se
Review №41

Impressive venue to watch Nutcracker. Truly a wonderful way to spend Christmas season with your family. Parking is problem; suggest cab or Uber.

A
Review №42

A beautiful, historic building full of charm! Be sure to check it out when you visit Chicago.

RU
Review №43

Great and beautiful Christmas brunch loved it food was great I wanna go back again next year

Mi
Review №44

Awesome venue and programmes. I enjoy the box seats.

Da
Review №45

Saw the nutcracker at this fine edifice. What a perfect place to see the ballet . The building and theater are magnificent .

Jo
Review №46

One of my favorite places in the city. If you are a virtuoso who enjoys art and culture and looking for an authentic immersive experience, this is a good place to start. The architecture houses various floors dedicated to the study, practice and performance of art and music.

Cl
Review №47

This building is awesome, the elevator is worth going there alone, its completely vintage

Aa
Review №48

The food was great, and the old building made for a great atmosphere! 5 stars. Would really recommend.

S_
Review №49

Love going to the ARC in this old, historic building on Michigan Ave (saw Chance the Rapper there rehearsing the night before his most recent Chicago shows). There is still a manually operated elevator that runs and it is a trip back in time to ride it!

Mi
Review №50

Classic Chicago building. Very cool theatre, and great used book store - Dial Bookstore - on the second floor

De
Review №51

This place is beautiful

Ef
Review №52

Went to see the Nutcracker. Excellent show!Parking was near and convenient!

Co
Review №53

Beautiful building, wonderful show(the nutcracker), great experience.

St
Review №54

OPENING In 1885, The Fine Arts Building opened as a carriage assembly and showroom for the Studebaker Company. RENOVATIONS By the 1890’s, The Studebaker Company had outgrown the building, and by 1898, renovations were lead by Charles C. Curtiss, which the 10th floor Curtiss Hall is named after.

Sh
Review №55

Wanted to meet the first man to hike the entire Grand Canyon

Sa
Review №56

Such a cool old building. You have to go a few times to understand your way around- where bathrooms are, what floors have stairs and what floors dont. But its got such a neat vibe and is in such a cool location and has really great businesses inside. I come for the American rhythm center. ️

Li
Review №57

Vintage glory; elevators are a unique man operated experience :)

Su
Review №58

Stopped in to catch David Sedaris. Good show, acoustics were a challenge, theater is GORGEOUS!

Ro
Review №59

The Auditorium Theater is an amazing building and seeing the Nutcracker from the Joffrey Ballet was great!

An
Review №60

Loved this Chicago version of the Nutcracker. Awesome performers!

To
Review №61

The theatres sound carries so well for orchestras, easy to navigate, nice staff. A+

Jo
Review №62

Staff is friendly, building is nice but the ticketing system crashed and it took 2.5 hours to get everyone on the building in freezing weather.

pu
Review №63

The man in the lift does a good job. Nice guy. Good job.

St
Review №64

Such a wonderful place to visit in the city of chicago!

Pr
Review №65

Beautiful building! Such great performance!

Sa
Review №66

Beautiful historic mixed use building. I love that you can hear music as you walk the halls. The manually operated elevator must be one of the few remaining in the city. Just a gorgeous building.

To
Review №67

I loved the performance and the 100 year old architecture.

Br
Review №68

Seats are nice and comfortable, the theater also looks nice.

Ma
Review №69

Consistently good. Curry puffs great!!

La
Review №70

We went to William Harrison the instruments shop and had to use the elevator to get up there,the operator was helpful.

Da
Review №71

POC friendly, and beautiful. Great for dance shows, or performances art.

El
Review №72

Went to see Jane Eyre. Great seats. Performance outstanding.

Ka
Review №73

Had a great time with Rory and Colin. Highly recommend this for a evening with friends

Ch
Review №74

Great place for voice lessons; also the elevators are hella cool and person operated!

Ca
Review №75

Beautiful historic building, but with that comes wonky, uneven floors, hot upstairs and tiny seats. However, the acoustics are great!

Ke
Review №76

Still one of the best live theatres in the United States.

Ra
Review №77

One of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Ma
Review №78

Renovated recently. Acoustics are perfect to me.

Jo
Review №79

Best acoustics in Chicago, every seat has good sound and sight lines.

An
Review №80

I went to a Zumba class here and had a great time. The class was offered under the American Rhythm Center and was very affordable. They offer many different types of classes throughout the week. It was a good time.

De
Review №81

Where else can you take in free art like THIS. Talk to artists in their studios surrounded by their work, so intimate. I feel a little stupid because I never know what to say. And I saw a free opera there a few weeks ago. I have been here with friends, I might come here alone some time to really immetse myself.

Va
Review №82

This place was perfect to see the nutcracker.

Be
Review №83

Very confusing to find where we were going but such a cool and interesting old building!

Du
Review №84

Beautiful Nutcracker every year in this wonderful house

An
Review №85

Very beautiful building with an old time elevator operator that takes you from art to art

El
Review №86

Great atmosphere. Good food

le
Review №87

Incredible old historical building. A must see.

Ma
Review №88

Great seats,great program.

Mi
Review №89

Good event...attended MS. Bodys Tuesday dancehall class

Mo
Review №90

This place is a gem. Classic building with old style elevators (a person actually has to run them). The best part is its basically creativity central. There are tons of music studios, dance studios and other creative outlets here. Do not miss out!

Je
Review №91

The architecture of Chicago is very impressive, so many buildings with great antique European architecture, this is one of the reasons I love this city, this building is so beautiful... Very nice to walk around Chicago and enjoy all of them...

Co
Review №92

Historical building with all kind of activities inside.Yoga studios etc

R
Review №93

Great last minute event! Ryan and John did a great job hosting a great game night.

Ch
Review №94

Was a contestant on The Gameshow Gameshow. Family had fun.

Al
Review №95

Good theatre but the upper balcony seats are the worst Ive ever been in.

Lo
Review №96

Great experience with Maestro of Chicago Youth Symphony. Amazing building! Loved the elevators!

so
Review №97

What a antique, gorgeous and artistic building

Ma
Review №98

10 years later, and i still get the chills when I step into this place ♡

LU
Review №99

An absolute unique building in Chicago, and a statement of architecture. It is said to be the last building in the city with an elevator operator (a person that runs the elevator).The places breathes art, in all its forms. If you go up the floors you can hear instruments playing, singers practicing, art galleries, dance lessons... you name it.There are performances at the Studebaker Theatre, an old restored gem where Bob Fosse used to perform.A hidden treasure not to be missed.

Ch
Review №100

Awesome old building with vintage elevators with operators

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
  • Site:http://www.fineartsbuilding.com/
  • Phone:+1 312-566-9800
Categories
  • Art gallery
  • Art center
Working hours
  • Monday:7am–10pm
  • Tuesday:7am–10pm
  • Wednesday:7am–10pm
  • Thursday:7am–10pm
  • Friday:7am–9pm
  • Saturday:9am–9pm
  • Sunday:7am–10pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
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