Where is S.R. Crown Hall?

It is at 3360 S State St on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus in Chicago.

Who designed Crown Hall?

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the building for IIT’s College of Architecture.

What can you see inside Crown Hall?

You can walk through its open studio spaces, see architecture students’ projects and visit the basement library, which has a collection of designer chairs.

When is a quieter time to visit?

Between semesters, when the building is less busy.

S.R. Crown Hall (IIT)

S.R. Crown Hall is the College of Architecture building at the Illinois Institute of Technology, at 3360 S State St in Chicago. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, it is known for its open interior, broad studio floor and abundant natural light. You can walk through the building, see architecture students’ projects and look into the studios and classrooms. Make time for the small basement library, where a collection of designer chairs adds another point of interest.

An open studio building

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed Crown Hall for the Illinois Institute of Technology’s College of Architecture. The building’s interior is planned as a broad, open studio space, with columns kept from interrupting the floor. Its main floor measures 120 by 220 feet, and the ceiling is 18 feet high.

The open layout gives students room to work and interact across the studio. As you walk through, look at how the structure and materials are expressed plainly, and how daylight reaches the interior.

Studios, projects and the basement library

Crown Hall remains a working place for architecture students. During the semester, you may see projects in progress in the studios and classrooms. Treat these as active learning spaces as you look around.

A small library is in the basement. Its collection includes authentic designer chairs, making it a useful stop for visitors interested in furniture and design as well as architecture.

Planning a visit

The building is on the IIT campus at 3360 S State St. A visit between semesters is a good choice if you want a quieter look around; the studios are less active then. Lectures by visiting architects are also held at Crown Hall, so check for an event if you would like to include one in your visit.