Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, Wrightwood 659 in Chicago is a new gallery space conceived to present exhibitions of architecture and socially engaged art. A four-storey 1929-1930 apartment building was reconfigured to provide an up-to-date environment for art and a seamless visitor experience. The entire interior of the apartment building was removed and new steel and reinforced concrete structure were erected within the perimeter masonry shell.

The architect also introduced an atrium and grand stairway, and installed new building mechanical systems with state-of-the-art climate control, among numerous other undertakings. In addition to refurbishing the entire interior, the architect added a new rooftop structure providing a contemplative north art-viewing terrace and a city-skyline vista from the south terrace.

In a city rich with art institutions and internationally known for its architecture, Wrightwood 659 is designed as a site for contemplative experiences of art and architecture and as a place to engage with the pressing social issues of our time. Located at 659 W. Wrightwood Avenue, in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighbourhood, it is a private, non-commercial initiative envisioned as an integral part of the cultural and civic fabric of Chicago, as well as a new kind of art space and cultural resource.