This location is temporarily closed.
Stony Island Arts Bank image

Stony Island Arts Bank

Tourist attraction Museum

👍👍 Theaster Gates is a true visionary whose bank-turned-art gallery highlights art, music, and history. It's exciting to see how he's used his gifts to bring these treasures to the South Side of Chicago for all to enjoy. Check out a community event, or take in a free tour and thank me later! People often mention space, Johnson, event,


Address

6760 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60649

Website

rebuild-foundation.org

Contact

(312) 857-5561

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (374 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • .: Hide open hours for the week

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: space (9) Johnson (7) event (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Tammie Mooreland C. 1 year ago on Google • 78 reviews
    Amazing building and architecture. Unique art and display of Johnson Publishing Library and original furniture. Very interesting.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexandra B. 1 year ago on Google
    Theaster Gates is a true visionary whose bank-turned-art gallery highlights art, music, and history. It's exciting to see how he's used his gifts to bring these treasures to the South Side of Chicago for all to enjoy. Check out a community event, or take in a free tour and thank me later!
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Z 11 months ago on Google • 249 reviews
    Truly a beautiful place that you have to see!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jerry K. 5 years ago on Google • 98 reviews
    Went on a weekday afternoon. Great space, enjoyed the exhibits. DJ playing music was an unexpected surprise. Has a really nice reading room with some space to sit and work. Will definitely keep an eye on upcoming exhibits and look forward to using the reading room/work space.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Starpointe P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of my favorite places in Chicago. It's a combination gallery/library/ community center/ media archive. I love that they purchased and are preserving so many Johnson Publication items. A perfect place to go on a date, do some research or take in a workshop. I adore this space.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 G V D. 5 years ago on Google • 361 reviews
    A great place for an event. The home of the Johnson Publication Reference Library as well as the Godfather of House Music, Frankie Knuckles, his collection of vinyl records. Worth checking out.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Khalid A. 2 years ago on Google • 44 reviews
    Hidden gem on the south side. Music every week. Sometimes a band sometimes a DJ. Beautiful venue!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Percy Ollie J. 2 years ago on Google • 104 reviews
    I was the photographer recently at an event (Mirrors & Misconceptions) at the Stony Island Arts Bank and I was amazed at this beautiful gem located on the South Side of Chicago. I'm looking forward visiting more frequently.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rvagourmet 4 years ago on Google • 143 reviews
    I love a refurb story and in this gem a but off of the beaten path, but near the site where the Obama Presidential Library will eventually be housed, you will find a site with huge Corinthian columns which leads you in to repository of some of the artifacts of the Johnson Publishing Company (which facing bankruptcy is alsp rumored to have its digital assets up for sale). Of most interest was an exhibit "The Obama Paintings" by Rob Pruitt which feature a painting of a scene for each day President Obama was in office hung in the main gallery space and throught the first floor. Each painting looks like an intermediate stage between the negative and the four color photo all in not-so-subtle tones of red, white and blue which once they come into focus feature some of the most iconic images and memorable momnets of the eight-year term. Many of the paintings were stacked because I dare say few museum spaces have enough room to display all of them at once (you can do the math of 8 years by 365 days). You can have fun seeing some of your favorite celebrities alongside the Obamas, now celebrities in their own right. On your way out be sure to stop by the very solemn Tamir Rice space.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arlis B. 1 year ago on Google
    The John Johnson office and library are fascinating. Music by Duane Powell is uplifting and wonderful.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jo B. 4 years ago on Google • 257 reviews
    Awesome afternoon (last Sundays, 2-6 pm) of bring-your-own-vinyl .... So much variety in music -- and in DJs, from beginners to sophisticates! Loved the drinks at the Johnson Lounge, walking through the downstairs gallery space. Even the bathrooms were very cool, built out with found and recycled materials. Very cool and fun. We'll be back for this event and others!

  • 5/5 JL F. 1 year ago on Google • 44 reviews
    First time going. Great experience. Music; drinks; Johnson Publishing Company Library was awesome
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charmaine H. 1 year ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Attended ending reception for Jewel Ham exhibit with house party spun by the phenomenal DJ Powell. Event was sponsored by Hennessy with speciality cocktails served by really competent bar staff. Not sure who catered event but food was well prepared and tasty. Good vibe overall.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordy Lunkhead V. 2 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous. beautiful Educational hidden gem in plain sight on the South side
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 WIC C. 1 year ago on Google
    An incredible place to get inside the head of brilliant artists and community leaders. Love the tour, the exhibits and archives. It's a must-see Chicago legacy! *pro tip: if it looks closed, make sure to check the door on the west side of building. It's a secret entrance. 😉
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Everardo Meza j. 1 year ago on Google
    Medium large space on the first floor with decent art. Would really be nice if they had listed the hours for the library considering how out of the way it is in a not so great neighborhood, apparently only open for tours on Sundays. We went Saturday afternoon and there was only one other couple inside. Seems to be more of an event space. Limited parking. Call ahead to try to get details first!

  • 4/5 Lee A. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place to unwind and create. Ask for Sam Adams at the Bar.

  • 5/5 Michelle P. 2 years ago on Google
    City of Chicago sponsored a house music party outside. It's was really nice and organized

  • 5/5 MK T. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great Arts Bank, in what looks like an old bank building! I attended a Sunday afternoon outdoor performance by drummers from the Congo, followed by a walk through of the photographic exhibits, and enjoyed a drink at the bar with friends. ALL around it was a lovely experience!


Call (312) 857-5561 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Last updated:
()