Chicago's Fine Arts Building Celebrates 125 Years

With Mayor Brandon Johnson having declared Friday, Oct. 13 Fine Arts Building Day in Chicago, the historic landmark at 410 S. Michigan Ave. is marking its 125th anniversary in style. From 5–9 p.m., a celebration will activate all 10 floors of the property, an artist haven since its founding in October of 1898, allowing the public to stroll the building’s halls and savor its history and artistic endeavors.

The anniversary festivities will feature many artistic expressions in the form of a free concert, exhibitions and a specially curated performance series. Dr. Yulia Lipmanovich, a recognized pianist and teacher based in the building, will perform at the newly refurbished Studebaker Theater at 7:30 p.m. The concert echoes the theater’s opening act in 1898 with a piano recital theme crafted to honor the venue’s 125 years.

The renovated Studebaker Theater

Adding to the celebrations, artist tenants throughout the building will showcase their art forms, ranging from music, dance and literature to fine art, signifying the Fine Arts Building’s rich artistic diversity.

Highlights of the evening include:

-A performance by the Chicago Human Rhythm Project titled “Taste O’Tap,” a beginner’s tap dance experience.
-Opening of an extraordinary puppet display by the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
-Live performances marking the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Opera Theater
-All-star authors serving as guest booksellers at Exile in Bookville
-A live jazz performance by the Jazz Institute of Chicago
-A musical session by Liederstube, celebrating its 10th anniversary
-A demonstration by Monsieur Pamplemousse custom jewelry
-An Indian classical dance performance by the Natya Dance Theatre
-An interactive exhibition by Press Here Studio
-An exhibition of the paintings of architectural Chicago and the surrounding areas by Don Yang in the Second Floor Art Gallery

Representatives of the Illinois Equal Suffrage Association at the Fine Arts Building, 1910

Also, the building will feature new historic exhibits Art Alone Endures and Staging Ground, both offering insights into the building’s history. A self-guided tour of historic sites and artists’ studios throughout the building is also available online on the Fine Arts Building’s website.