Fine Arts Building

  • Exterior of ornate building with green window frame

    Photo by Eric Allix Rogers

The Fine Arts Building has remained a hub of creativity for over 125 years.
  • Exterior of ornate building with green window frame

    Photo by Eric Allix Rogers

Discover living proof of the Fine Arts Building’s motto “All Passes – Art Alone Endures” while learning the stories behind this Chicago landmark.

Duration
1 hour
Site Type
Buildings
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

410 S. Michigan Ave., in front of the building

Learn how a building constructed for the Studebaker Carriage Company was later transformed into studios for artists, musicians, and writers. These studios housed imaginative women and men prominent in the Arts & Crafts movement, the Women’s Suffrage movement, literary and arts clubs, and progressive theater and publishing enterprises.

Experience the Art Nouveau murals on the 10th floor, the restored courtyard on the 4th floor, and many other treasures in a building that retains the look and feel of the early 20th century.

Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.
  • Interior of building with dark wood trim

    Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • Detail of stair banister with intricate carvings

    Staircase banister detail

  • Interior of building through the view of center staircase

    Interior stairwell.

  • Top of reddish brown column with ivory cap and green trim

    Column detail. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • Exterior of multi story building with arched windows

    Fine Arts Building Exterior.

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

All walking & bus tours FAQ
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MORE ABOUT THIS BUILDING

Discover more about the Fine Arts Building in CAC's Buildings of Chicago online library.

LEARN MORE
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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

See Group and Private tours
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Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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