In Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, the Stony Island Arts Bank brings contemporary art, archives and community programs into a restored 1923 bank. Theaster Gates transformed the long-vacant building into a cultural space with a ground-floor gallery, a reading room and collections tied to Black culture and Chicago. Look for archives from Johnson Publishing Company, Frankie Knuckles’s vinyl collection and Rob Pruitt’s “The Obama Paintings.” The Johnson Lounge hosts music events, and public tours can add context to the building and its collections.
A restored bank on the South Side
The Stony Island Arts Bank occupies a 1923 bank building in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. After the building stood vacant for years, artist Theaster Gates acquired it from the city and transformed it into a cultural institution. Its former banking rooms now hold a gallery, archives, a reading room and spaces for community programs.
The building’s past remains part of the visit: its bank architecture provides the setting for exhibitions and collections focused on art and cultural history. The Arts Bank also hosts events, including music, film screenings, readings, talks and performances. Check the current program before you go, since an event can shape what is open to see.
Archives, art and music
The Johnson Publishing Company archives connect the Arts Bank to a major body of Black publishing history. The building also holds material from the collection of Frankie Knuckles, the Chicago DJ associated with house music. Access to particular collections can vary, so call ahead if one is central to your visit.
The ground-floor gallery presents exhibitions and installations. One work highlighted at the Arts Bank is Rob Pruitt’s “The Obama Paintings,” a series depicting scenes from Barack Obama’s presidency. The building’s music programming adds another way to experience the space: events at the Johnson Lounge have included DJs and bring-your-own-vinyl sessions.
Tours and time in the reading room
Public tours are held on Sundays and offer a way to explore the building and its collections with additional context. The reading room is also a place to sit and work, with reading material available. If you want to visit a particular room or see a specific archive, check availability in advance rather than assuming every area will be open.
The Arts Bank’s calendar includes exhibitions, screenings and live events, so check what is scheduled for your date. Some programs, such as film screenings, are free; confirm the details for the event you plan to attend.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Stony Island Arts Bank?
It is at 6760 S Stony Island Ave in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.
What can you see at the Stony Island Arts Bank?
The building has a ground-floor gallery, Johnson Publishing Company archives, a reading room and material from Frankie Knuckles’s vinyl collection. Specific collection areas may not always be open, so call ahead to check.
Are there public tours?
Public tours are held on Sundays. Check ahead for current details and availability.
Does the Stony Island Arts Bank host events?
Yes. Programs include exhibitions, music, film screenings, readings, talks and performances. Check the current schedule before visiting.
