The Art Institute of Chicago is contemplating an expansion that could significantly alter one of its most cherished spaces: the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room. Originally constructed between 1893 and 1894, this historic area was preserved during the 1970s and has since served as both a museum highlight and a rental venue for events.
While it may not draw the same crowds as renowned artworks like Grant Wood's American Gothic or Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, the Trading Room occupies a generous 5,700 square feet. It holds historical value, featuring original 19th-century stencils and reconstructed elements from the Stock Exchange.
Recent reports from a collaboration between WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times reveal that the museum's expansion plans could impact this iconic space. A representative noted, "The east side of the building, where the Trading Room is located, represents the area with the most potential for gallery expansion. If our campus evolution affects the Trading Room, our priority would be to collaborate with partners to find a new location for the space. No decisions have been finalized yet."
As plans for the expansion take shape, funding has already begun to materialize. In 2024, Art Institute trustee Aaron Fleischman and his partner Lin Lougheed generously contributed $75 million towards the project.
Art Institute director James Rondeau has expressed the necessity of this expansion, citing the museum's inability to showcase a large portion of its collection. Currently, only 15 percent of its modern and contemporary art is on display. Rondeau emphasized, "We have very concrete aspirations. However, we do not have an approved building project at this time."
The future of the Trading Room remains uncertain, yet the potential for growth at the Art Institute of Chicago is promising. As the museum seeks to enhance its offerings, the preservation of its historical elements will continue to be a priority.