The Arts Club was founded in 1916 and has occupied eight different sites. The present building was the first to be conceived exclusively for the Arts Club. It opened in 1997 and was designed by John Vinci of Vinci/Hamp Architects, Inc. The core of the design is a staircase by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The staircase was rescued from the former Arts Club interior at 109 E. Ontario prior to demolition. Fulfilling its founding mission to promote higher standards of art and to connect art lovers and art workers, The Arts Club has hosted public exhibitions and programs free of charge for over 100 years.
Visitor Experience
Take a self-guided exploration or staff-guided tour of the building. Tours will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors are welcome to explore the first-floor public galleries, featuring an exhibition of works by Kolkata-based artist Rathin Barman, as well as the second-floor private member clubhouse and permanent art collection.
