The Arts Club of Chicago is a contemporary art and events space at 201 E Ontario St, a block east of Michigan Avenue. Its first-floor gallery is open to the public during exhibitions, with modern art shown among classic and antique furniture. The Calder sculpture and Mies van der Rohe staircase are also worth looking for. This is a compact stop for a focused look at art and design, rather than a large museum visit. Check the exhibition schedule before you go, as the public gallery displays change.
A public gallery inside a private club
The Arts Club of Chicago combines a private club with public exhibitions. The club opened in 1916, and its first floors are open to the public when exhibitions are on view. The gallery is a focused stop rather than a large museum, with the current show forming the main reason to visit.
Its location at 201 E Ontario St is a block east of Michigan Avenue. The entrance can be easy to overlook from street level, so take a moment to find it before walking on.
Art, furniture and architecture
Contemporary works are displayed alongside classic and antique furniture, giving the first-floor gallery a distinctive setting. The collection and exhibitions have included international contemporary art. Look for the Calder sculpture and the Mies van der Rohe staircase as you move through the space.
The Arts Club hosted the first United States showing of Pablo Picasso’s work. That history adds context to a visit, but the current exhibition is the focus of what the public can see. Check the schedule before you go, since the works on view depend on the show.
Perguntas frequentes
Is the Arts Club of Chicago open to the public?
Yes. Its first-floor exhibitions are open to the public. Access is focused on the exhibition currently on view.
What can you see at the Arts Club of Chicago?
You can see contemporary art among classic and antique furniture, as well as a Calder sculpture and a Mies van der Rohe staircase. The exhibition changes, so check the schedule before visiting.
How long does a visit take?
The public visit is a focused walk through the first-floor exhibition, rather than a large museum outing. The available information does not establish a typical visit length.
