We attempted to go to the bookstore and there was NO ADA access available which violated Chicago municipal code. Elevators were out of order and were forced to walk with a broken foot up three flights of stairs. Will never come again. And while attempting lay my foot for a rest I was yelled at. read more

I have seen three shows here are is such a great event space for live theatre. The building is very easy to get to and we parked right around back. They had a very very basic and simple drinks and maybe 6 packages of snacks to purchase. I love the variety of fun shows with a mix of family friendly children's theater as well. read more

The building was easy to get to from our hotel. The building architecture was lovely and I especially enjoyed the authentic elevators that had elevator operators to get Me to the floor I needed. Nice people. read more

I have NOT been to any of the theater performances that are there now, so I will not address those here. I have been coming here for over a decade now for the 2nd Fridays studio art openings. The view alone is great, but the sounds of musicians practicing is good too. They have the finest old violins display, dance studios, mini concerts, yoga, and sometimes jewelry makers. If you can visit a studio with an east view of lake Michigan, you're so lucky you won't be disappointed, but people don't just come for the views. There's a great old elevator with an operator (!) that you have to instruct for what floor you want. We usually go to the top and walk down. You can go inside some small rooms or very large rooms, chat with the artist, enjoy wine or snacks. It's like an indoor art walk, which can be a plus in the cold weather. A highlight is the December openings, with activities and openings on every floor! Try not to get too attached to 1 artist though, as renting space is expensive, and some artists come and go there, while others stick around. . read more

The Fine Arts Building - Cultural Center Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I can't believe how many times I passed this building and never knew that there were periodic showing of artists and their work on the 2nd Friday of every month. I came to one event last week which had 10 floors of all art forms. I did not get to floors 10, 9, or 8 though=/. There was a spectacular store that had ornate paperweights of all shapes and sizes (one the size of a bowling ball for those extra large stacks of paper). There was also a neat old bookstore with a cat that temporarily escaped from its store and ran down the hall before being captured and returning to its papryus purgatory. Another exhibit had masks from South America, very ornate and all were donated to the historical society. I walked by one store where people were singing opera, but the most interesting one was a shop that made violins and other string instruments. The process of shaping and assembling the violins by hand was interesting as there was a guided tour by one of the artisans. I look forward to coming back in January. Hopefully I can get to the other floors then=). One of the coolest features was the building itself and the elevators that do not have an interior door which closes. read more

When I was a junior in high school, I auditioned for the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra which is housed in the Fine Arts Building on the 8th floor. The whole experience was surreal. Let's start with the rich antiquity and culture of the building. The FAB was constructed in 1886, 2 years before the Edison Chicago Company opened its first electric station. There is some serious history behind the red brick. The elevator is manually operated, and aside from the Tower of Terror in Disney Hollywood Studios, no elevator experience really compares. Every floor and every turn has something new and exciting to discover and brilliant details to appreciate along the way (elaborate wood carvings and brass handrails, to name two). There is something for every artist here too, from the sheet music store on the 9th floor, to the high-end pianos in PianoForte, to the violin shop and all of the art galleries in between. If you are creative, you will like this place. The air resonates with vocalists warming up, the sounds of orchestras, or the meditative hum of yoga. There's also a cafe at the bottom if necessary. I loved coming here every Saturday for concert orchestra because FAB feels like it resides in a different, transcendent world. I highly recommend a visit. read more

This is a beautiful building. When I rode in this elevator for the first time as a 12 year old, it was quite terrifying. It is indeed the "Fine Arts" Building because it houses many things within the realm of fine arts. Ballet studio, art studio, music store, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, PianoForte, private music studios, etc. Pass by the 8th floor on any weekend and you'll hear some great music from the Chicago Youth Orchestra. :) But you should also avoid certain times on weekends when the youth orchestras start or end - it may be a while until you can catch an elevator. read more

(This is an open letter to the owner of the Fine Arts Building, cross-posted from lifeblazing.com) September 2, 2009 Robert B. Berger, Principal Berger Realty Group LLC (www.bergerrealtygroup.net) 40 East Oak Street Chicago, Illinois 60611 Re: The Fine Arts Building @ 410 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60605 Dear Mr. Berger, I've never written a letter to an owner of a power spot before. In the past, when I've wanted to express my gratitude for magnetic marvels like Kilimanjaro, Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, Mt. Shasta, Sedona or Egyptian pyramids, I'd just do a jubilant dance while facing the rising sun or something. But now, I can just shoot you an e-mail to gush about how I got electrocuted while visiting the very magnificent power spot that you own -- The Fine Arts Building. It is no exaggeration that electrical currents of ancient creative fires shot through my body while I enjoyed a tour of FAB that Anita Miller (http://www.anitaivymillerstudio.com/) gave a friend and me. Anita and my friend, Lynnette, can vouch for said electrocution. As you know, sacred sites and power spots host a variety of visionary and mystical experiences, like: *transformative revelations; *ecstatic epiphanies; *elevation of consciousness; *saturation of cosmic love and inspiration; *and many other life-altering manifestations. This is why I identify and experience The Fine Arts Building as a power spot, because Source Energy fills and fuels that place. Translators, infusers and creators of beauty converge there. Whirling colors, notes, bodies, rhythms, lines, textures, graphic code, wood, strings, mantras, meditations, vibrations, transparency, density, chords, beats, oils, voices. It's outrageous, really. All that conception going on under one roof. As I stood outside the door of Frank Lloyd Wright's former studio, I was struck. And a few moments later, as I stood outside the doors of the stunning Studebaker Theatre/World Playhouse, I was struck again. How's Mr. Coffey's (http://www.dpcaltd.com/projects/individual/fine_arts_theatre.html) progress coming with the rehabilitation (http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2008/08/historic-studeb.html)? In addition to telling you how much I adore the power spot you own, I am also writing you with a very serious query. Mr. Berger, I want to write a funded play for this enchanted space. "Mother Art" - named after Frank Lloyd Wright's saying that "The mother art is architecture" -will whirl his inner-life and outer-designs in a way quite distinct from Richard Nelson's 2006 FLW-based play. Blending elements of Wright's history, design and passion, "Mother Art" would honor and epitomize the artistry that has been housed at FAB for the past 124 years. What do you think? Erika Harris read more

We took a group of HS art students from Tucson AZ here for the FAB 1st Friday open house. We were a little blind coming in to this building but took a recommendation from a fellow yelper and were not disappointed.10 floors of artists, studios galleries and art lovers. Our students were able to chat with all types of artists. The artists were warm and inviting. What at first was an risky event ended as a big hit for the teachers and students. Go. Eat some cheese have a glass of wine mingle, buy something chat... We did and loved it. read more

Oh the elevators! Nowhere else will you experience the thrill of bouncing up and down vigorously to get to the right floor level, jostled by a friendly old guy operating a lever. Nor the harrowing thought of needing to step to the other side of the elevator to balance out the weight so the car doesn't scrape the wall. All for the glory of reaching your artsy destination, which for me is usually visiting Louis Torick's repair shop. A very nostalgic building that contains a lot of history and a sense of style that I recall from early college years in music classes in grand old buildings. There are a few attached auditoriums which I have yet to experience. read more

I was fortunate to have an art studio at FAB for 6 years, with a view over the Venetian Courtyard. There is nothing like it this side of Europe! It's like stepping back in time each time you enter the Fine Arts Building, but the best part about the place is the residents. Music fills the halls at all hours, young dancers scurry past between classes and the monthly Second Friday open studio events are always fantastic. Some of the spaces are small and intimate, but others in the building are enormous and well appointed, each floor is different at FAB! Meet artists in their workspaces and they are always welcoming and willing to share their art, process and motivations with visitors. Buy direct from the artists and get more background about the works you collect. Be sure to visit the top floor on 10, where historic restored murals are on view. Also, watch for plaques outside of many of the doors on 10 - with information about the famous former residents who once occupied each space. Wizard of Oz author Frank L. Baum wrote here, and sculptor Lorado Taft created larger than life figurative marble works that are now on view at the Art Institute of Chicago. View the FAB Myspace for more info and photos: http://www.myspace.com/fineartsbuildingstudios read more

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A beautiful hidden gem in the middle of downtown chicago.This building also includes 2 working old elevators(which is restored) and this building's offices use to hold some of the famous people,like Frank Lloyd Wright and L.Frank Baum! Tip for tourists or locals:Go on the 10th floor and you're see beautiful works of murals which some date to the 1900s and one of them is from the 1890s,the murals has been untouched since 1898. read more

This is one of Chicago's Landmark Buildings, devoted to the the working artist. I have been coming here since I was a kid taking piano lessons. Later on I used to come to watch art flicks in the theatre on the main floor. Then I came back to shop for recorders. This is a wonderful building full of discoveries. Get on the funky old elevator with a real live elevator operator. Stop and get off at any floor and you will no doubt here the sound of a piano or a violin. There are murals in unexpeced places and the whole place is just suffused with the spirit of the artist. There are music studios, dance studios, art studios, metaphysicians, etc. When you're hungry, stop at the Artist's cafe for a snack or a meal. read more

All string players know ab this bldg bc there are lots of reputable luthiers and string experts. Plus the elevator is friggin sweet. Bathrooms in this building can be annoying..... read more

Wow. The Fine Arts Building (FAB) architecture is stunning, impressive, surprising, commanding and maintains nostalgia with an elevator operator. The monthly Second Friday's of the month are a great opportunity to tour the many unique studios, meet and mingle with the artists, purchase jewelry and artwork, and listen to performing artists. Why wait though for the Second Friday of the month events. Check out the FAB today, there is sure to be something going on; yoga, meditation, massage, and a variety of artists creating and practicing. Definitely a top Chicago attraction. read more

We were here for Open Studios last night--two of us knew the place and for two it was new--and everyone was knocked out by the beauty and strangeness of it. We didn't exactly sneak into Curtis Hall, a beautiful old concert space or ballroom, but we gingerly opened the door and paid attention to the notice that we were on video surveillance, and behaved, which for two of us meant waltzing decorously to unheard music and for the rest of us meant staring at the lake view and the gorgeous ceiling. Other reviewers are right about the elevators. I have a primal love of seeing the floor rush toward or away from me through the glass doors. read more

Wow. I had no idea how cool this building was. I just stopped in for a vocal improv class suggested by a friend. I love the classic feel of the building. It's got a lot of history and still has that old "feel." The elevators are old school too, complete with an elevator man! I was surprised to see the large amount of people coming and going throughout this place. There are 7+ floors I believe, and each one is buzzing with either dance lessons, choir groups or private offices. I will be back for sure! I heard the second Friday of the month is an open house where you can visit all the floors and see what they have to offer. Seeing buildings like this thrive in downtown makes my heart happy! I love how they're encouraging people to explore the arts. I will definitely be supporting this building and the artists inside of it! read more

Blake Biggerstaff, the manager and right hand man to owner of 410 S Michigan, is a pivotal player one of the most exciting projects Chicago will ever know. A fine man with a huge heart and a love for nostalgia has brought together a community of tenants to love their home once again. When you think of The Fine Arts Building you think of Blake and how he goes to bat for everything we could ever need! The future of Chicago's most eclectic looks bright. Fine Arts Building, It's a hidden treasure that's about explode with excitement. Thank you Blake! read more

Had my first piano recital here. I first began visiting the Fine Arts Building in the 70s when it was normal to have an actual dude operating the lift. My weekly piano lessons took place when this building housed the Conservatory, which it no longer does. It still has the elevator operator though. Lots of marble and high ceilings, and plenty of fine fine art. read more

I always make time for this building when I'm in the city, it has a very respectable greasy spoon diner on the ground floor, an amazing used book store on the 2nd (as well as an art gallery?) and what may be the best sheet-music store in the country,Performers Music, on the 9th. Bud Herseth's old studio is here, it's worth it for these things, but to find these things, just ask the FREAKIN ELEVATOR OPERATOR who will be on duty. read more

This is beautiful building that I went to for an event. Definitely worth checking out, totally classic and retains the feeling of a past time period. The coolest thing is the old school elevator operated by a person with the gate and all. Very cool vibe in here. read more

Super fun and unique adventure! The artists were all very nice and glad to chat about their work. The wine was plentiful, and it was nice and warm since everything is inside. Also, super awesome that everything was free and the art work was TOTALLY affordable! Ideally, it would be nice if there were a few more exhibits, but we felt very satisfied by the time it was over, and look forward to going back! read more

(no change in my star rating from before) i find the FAB has open houses--or a kind of an open house--on 2nd fridays every month from 5pm to 9pm (that means tomorrow). their website recommends starting on the 10th floor and working your way down (i've this long standing desire to rent a piano practicing room there for an hour or so and make my kind of music) read more

I received a behind the scenes tour of this building from an architect that worked there for 40 years. What a wealth of information this gentleman is. I highly recommend everyone walk this building. read more