The Stony Island Arts Bank is a hybrid gallery, media archive, library and community center – and a home for Rebuild’s archives and collections. Designed by William Gibbons Uffendell and built in 1923, the bank at 68th Street and Stony Island Avenue was once a vibrant community savings and loan. Come and read your favorite books

Went on a weekday afternoon. Great space, enjoyed the exhibits. DJ playing music was an unexpected surprise. Has a really nice reading room with some space to sit and work. Will definitely keep an eye on upcoming exhibits and look forward to using the reading room/work space.

A great place for an event. The home of the Johnson Publication Reference Library as well as the Godfather of House Music, Frankie Knuckles, his collection of vinyl records. Worth checking out.

The Stony Island Art Bank is, in my opinion, a real highlight of Chicago. It is very interesting and the public tour is a great way to spend an hour (our tour guide was a guy named Mars and he was great). There is a working bar there, I dont know if it is always open, but it was when I was there and I would have liked to have spent an evening there.The art on display was fantastic and Mars did an excellent job providing context. The library is a must see and just knowing you are in the presence of Frankie Knuckles record collection is pretty amazing.Dont miss the Art Bank in Chicago.

I love a refurb story and in this gem a but off of the beaten path, but near the site where the Obama Presidential Library will eventually be housed, you will find a site with huge Corinthian columns which leads you in to repository of some of the artifacts of the Johnson Publishing Company (which facing bankruptcy is alsp rumored to have its digital assets up for sale). Of most interest was an exhibit The Obama Paintings by Rob Pruitt which feature a painting of a scene for each day President Obama was in office hung in the main gallery space and throught the first floor. Each painting looks like an intermediate stage between the negative and the four color photo all in not-so-subtle tones of red, white and blue which once they come into focus feature some of the most iconic images and memorable momnets of the eight-year term. Many of the paintings were stacked because I dare say few museum spaces have enough room to display all of them at once (you can do the math of 8 years by 365 days). You can have fun seeing some of your favorite celebrities alongside the Obamas, now celebrities in their own right. On your way out be sure to stop by the very solemn Tamir Rice space.

Awesome afternoon (last Sundays, 2-6 pm) of bring-your-own-vinyl .... So much variety in music -- and in DJs, from beginners to sophisticates! Loved the drinks at the Johnson Lounge, walking through the downstairs gallery space. Even the bathrooms were very cool, built out with found and recycled materials. Very cool and fun. Well be back for this event and others!

Great repurposing for public space. Last Sunday of each month from noon to six p.m. is Madd Crates - BYOVinyl and spin your wax on their dual Stanton deck.

This was a beautiful place with dope experiences for all. The art has its own stories; and each piece can thrive on its own. The staff were really friendly and pleasant. If you have the chance to go, you should. Its free, and youll enjoy it. Its a quick stop (no more than an hour), and a really good idea for families and a date.

Nice place to unwind and create. Ask for Sam Adams at the Bar.

Loved it. Never knew about it until they posted several events one of which we attended. Nice artifacts and performances!!! Looking forward to coming back out to more events!!!

A hidden gem on the Southeast side of Chicago. They have a very elegant bar with happy hour specials most days. The best part is they showcase House Music by Frankie Knuckles. They have his entire library! Excellent place to pop in after work

Love what I’ve seen online can’t wait to visit

I love the place, love to history and their art.

I saw Carmen Jones on classic movie night. I loved it. It was shown outside in the back of the building where we were gated in and security was on duty watching our cars and the entering movie goers. We really enjoyed ourselves. Inside is an art gallery, a cash bar and an area for spoken word night. Theres a second floor too. I didnt venture up there but Ill be back.

Beautiful artwork. They had a vendor fair which had some interesting artists there. We plan on checking out some of their other activities

Very beautiful.

We came just now,Sunday 4pm,why is this place closed and on google says it is open? No one is answering the phone.I drove 40miles to see closed door?

I really love and appreciate this Class. This class has given me a New hope in furthering my Education. Although I do wish Illinois Humanities, offered Extra Credit.

This place use to be US Bank... but it is now a really cool place it seems to be dedicated to our former President Barack Obama. As I was told while Barack was in the office an artist drew a picture of him every day. It kind of look like youve walked back in time to the 1960s era. You can also come here and have a drink, but it is totally family friendly.

Wonderful place to visit and have any Events there!!!

Omg! Great paintings! I really enjoy my visit.

Thanks #Black Women Talk Tech. What a beautiful event and evening. Thanks Stony Island Art bank.

I loved it. Full of history, great architecture and a cool bar. I will be back for more art and happy hour!

Nice place with really fascinating Presentations and exhibits.

A must see for Chicago. I bought a place near by because I am touched moved and inspired.

My favorite neighborhood gem. Always something cool happening here.

Attended a mixer hosted by the Southside NAACP and Airbnb. The Stony Island Arts Bank is a beautiful facility for any type of gathering. It was my first time visiting the space but I truly look forward to going there again as either a guest or a host. Its conveniently located and theres ample parking in the area. Kudos to the visionary who created this space.

Interesting place, lots of information nice to see what the inside looked like after driving past it for years.

Impressive!! There is a room with 10,000+ books!! There is an artist that made 2,278 pictures of President Obama...one for each day he was in office.There was a documentary shown of Mayor Harold Washington before, during, and after his death; its not finished.

Watched A Raisin in the Sun. Parking is challenging because Stony Island has limited Legal spaces. Have to park 2-3 blocks in neighborhood, no problem.Beautiful place to visit. Free to the Public on Sundays. 4pm - 6 DJ and Bar.

Clean and professional area. I enjoyed the movie. To Kill A Mockingbird. Beautiful event.

So important a place go there and support the arts !!!

I had a lovely time attending the Sojourners Scholars Presentation on The Evolution of Chicagos Historically Black Cultures. Great job everyone .

One of rhe repository of African and African American literature bestow by the Johnson Publishing family

Great drinks and music. And its a museum . Get cultured!

I cant believe what they did with that building, it sat abandoned for years, who would have thought someone would come along and make it into the art mecca it is!I love the Stony Island Arts Bank, this my 4th time visiting and there is always something new to see, I usually go for the free movies and will walk around just to see the books and art.Its do wonderful to have a place like that on Stony Island!!

I love this place. It is beautifully decorated. It has thousands of books for you to pick and read while there. Currently there is a Black Panther exhibit which is off the chain. You have to have some big bucks to buy the art work but it is definitely worth seeing.

Gorgeous space featuring artworks and various community organizations

A first rate renovation into a black history museum. The second floor contains the Jet office and library

Lots of great stuff going on here! #exploresouthshore

Just what our cultural community NEEDED! I attend an event here at least once per month. Such a beautiful development with very nice staff. Amazing collection of literature and other artifacts. Parking is a challenge but central location and typically free. Must visit! All ages and races welcome.

Beautifully restored space that all should see. Obama Portraits exhibit is amazing. Theater Gates vision is inspiring.

This place have a great historic culture. This library musuem have books historic original books of the black people. Its very good place to visit if you are in Chicago.

This place is a treasure trove of blackness, knowledge and inspiration

Always interesting events and exhibits to uncover and enjoy.

Absolute community gem. Great example of what the arts can do to revitalize neighborhoods.

This is another little architectural hidden gem on the South Side. It has repurposed into a multi use area. They preserved the exterior beauty and updated the interior while keeping some original touches.

The building exterior is kind of bland, but when you walk in you see the long history of this place and you understand its vastness in terms of space and utility. They seems to have collaboration spaces as well as art exhibits.They have a beautiful library . The building feels old, but has a freshness to it.

The Art Bank was a jaw dropper... I enjoyed the archives of Mr. Johnson and who doesnt love a bit of house music by Mr. Frankie Knuckles!

Awsome vibes Everytime

This is an amazing museum. Although the building is old, they have breathed new life into it by showcasing black art and artists in a way which reflects the histiey and the community. The library inside is an extra bonus.

Lovley historical building with expansive library

I just visit the building outside, because its no in operater hours when I visit , its nice building in this ares, and its amazing have a Art center here. Could love to visit inside next time.

Love the community outreach!I saw a great program on the Black PanthersYou can Bank on this place;--)

The historical facts and the donation fromsome legions of their library collectionAll kinds of art classes etc.

Top notch venue The young lady who runs the building is simply fabulous you have to go check it out this weekend!!!

Beautiful! Visit and meet with the great staff. The library is amazing.

A tucked away treasure in an up and coming area

Excellent tour with guide of wonderful re-use of 1923 Bank.

Utterly stunning, the space the ambience the art the exhibits the music. Its a tactile experience for the senses. You will be amazed. Theaster Gates has done an amazing jobs of creating events that draws an eclectic crowd.

Art was Very Inspiring, the movie wad fun & host were all nice.

An investment for our community with interest in our culture; a Southside bank in Humanities.

What a unique and beautiful space!

Love the place, its unique...love the book collection and the Staff was amazing. A must see place!!!

I was AMAZED and PROUD and frankly EMOTIONAL to see the redesign and repurposing of the old Stony Island Bank...into a FABULOUS South Side GEM!The Stony Island Art Bank had a great turn out for an event (Celebrating the life of Black Panther Partys young leader, Fred Hampton). The art displays, lighting, sound system, interior design and artsy-cultural-historical vibe of the building was electrifying. If you want to just soak up the historical ambiance of the building and relax in the MOST IMPRESSIVE PRIVATE LIBRARY I HAVE SEEN, you can just sink down into one of the leather chairs and pick up a book by authors well-known to new-on- the- scene.The MUSIC collection is nostalgic to current and represents the best jazz- to- hip hop musicians, singers, rappers and orators.I have found a new spot to help me download the mess and stress of life and get renewed and restored by submerging into MY ROOTS, MY CULTURE, MY VALIDATION OF GREATNESS.Well worth spending a leisurely afternoon getting acquainted.

This place is BEAUTIFUL.I had a good time.Served breakfast by original Black Panther members

Nice variety of events. Nice set up.

Beautiful place and amazing library!!

I came to watch a movie it was very compelling...I love the live jazz..nice place to visit..If your in the neighborhood stop by ..

Ive been here several times and each time I learn something new. Something for everyone to enjoy

Beautiful renovation of the bank into a great space for African American history in Chicago.You gotta see it..

Sunshine Enterprises and Rebuild Foundations Artists & Makers: The Community Business Academy Rising Tide Capital.

Stoney Island Arts Bank, seem to have amazing things for the community. I took my daughter the other night, to see the movie called, George Washington. It was her first time going, and my second time. As soon as we went inside, we headed to the Ladies room. We came out of the Ladies room and my car alarm was blaring! I rushed outside and it appeared as though someone tried to break into my car! Instantly, we left. Its a shame, but we dont feel the area is safe enough to go back.

Imaginative space to display art in the community. Current exhibition of Johnson Publishing library is impressive and a real asset for researchers as well as everyday readers.

Went there for a writers workshop. It was very fine. They rennovated the whole entire building. Lots of new events and activities. Do check them out.

We went there for the huge bookroom and shelving. It was unfortunately being reconstructed so I wasnt able to take good photos. It was once an old bank but now offering art venues to the community. Very cool place.

Visiting from Denver, Colorado and couldn’t wait to check this place out. Checked google for its times of operation. Doors were locked, and vm full. So unfortunate. Please update google if you are not open at the times posted. Appears to be a gorgeous and educational venue. Hopefully next time I can go in!

Has frankie knuckles record collection

Great experience visiting today . Moving and inspiring. Akushika made me feel very welcome and enjoyed meeting talented young artist Zavier Evans.

Such a fabulous arts space in the South Shore area. Saw the Black Panthers exhibit...absolutely phenomenal!

Love this place and the history behind it.

Chairs were uncomfortable but the movie was good. Do wish upon arrival getting better directions from front desk employee.

Its a great space with a nice crowd.

I love this place the and its children friendly

There is a wonderful opportunity to experience the history of the Black Panthers I suggest if you get an opportunity you going to check it out

Beautiful venue, marvelous art.

The new space is large and great for entertaining.

The experience was awesome.

Beautiful building! They did a great job rehabbing it!!!! I went there to watch a film documentary!!!

WOW! I was super impressed with this place. It is definitely worth it to stick around for a tour. The community is lovely and it goes without saying the environment is down-right gorgeous, filled with a very impressive collection.

Such a great place to visit and spend a hour. The library is something special and when they have events its even more fun.

I love going to work on the sabbath, a great space & such fantastic programming! This place is definitely worth a visit, if not just to explore.

A wonderful setting. The JPC archives and furniture and fashion gowns are amazing.

This is such a beautiful space. The books, the art gallery, the meeting spaces, and the events. Its excellent. I cant believe it took me so long to visit.I will be back again and again.

Gorgeously restored! Lovingly maintained!! Expertly managed!!!

Great experience. Glad to have found this gem.

My visit to this place was educational. We got a tour and saw both some of the collections and some of the community projects. Its an interesting intersection of art, librarianship, and community development and participation.

Wonderful experience very informative in a black way.

Well kept secret #

The Art Bank has many interesting exhibits for those interested in Afro- American and African art, film, and history. The Johnson Publishing library was surprising as well as the Art Banks library.