Fine Arts Building Tour: Chicago's Hidden Architectural Gem

Embark on a time travel journey to uncover Chicago’s best-kept secret – a 125-year-old architectural marvel in the Fine Arts Building. Join us for an unforgettable adventure into the past and witness the living testament to Solon Spencer Beman’s architectural prowess.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Fine Arts Building - Embark on an enthralling exploration of Chicago’s Fine Arts Building, a ten-story treasure trove brimming with artistic souls. This building is a sanctuary where artists such as painters, photographers, music teachers, architects, attorneys, luthiers, and booksellers converge to shape their aspirations.
    As we meander through…
What's Included
  • History of the Fine Arts Building
  • Architectural significance of Solon Spencer Beman
What's Not Included
  • Tipping and Gratuities
Additional Information

Take a time travel journey inside Chicago’s best-kept secret: a 125-year-old architectural marvel. This extraordinary building was envisioned by renowned architect Solon Spencer Beman, famous for designing the town of Pullman and the iconic Pullman Palace Car Company. Get ready to be transported through time and history as you explore the legacy of this…

Location
410 Michigan Ave
Michigan Avenue
Meet just outside the main entrance to the building unless the weather is inclement then we will meet just inside the first lobby. The tour will conclude with a short tour of the showroom and gallery of Doorways Of Chicago located on the fourth floor, suite 424, of the Fine Arts Building.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(22 Ratings)
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1 star
Pat
Aug 23, 2025
Fine Arts Building Tour, Take it - Excellent Tour with Ronnie. His knowledge and excitement about the Fine arts building makes for an amazing tour. Learning about how the building went from a carriage manufacturing business to an arts building makes you appreciate conservation efforts and maintaining historic buildings. It also makes you acknowledge that we need these types of buildings for the artists to interact and work together. Without this building, the wizard of Oz author and publisher wouldn’t have met, female sculptures would not have studied under Loretto Taft and we would not be able to visit a building where you hear opera in the hallways, saxophones being played and see violins being built. Thank you Ronnie for sharing your joy, knowledge and your building with us
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janetfn9326ph
Aug 22, 2025
Tour of the historic Fine Arts Building of Chicago. - This is a wonderful gem of a historic building in Chicago AND Ronnie’s tour is just the best. His passion for and knowledge of Chicago, history, architecture, architects and art make this such a fun and interesting tour. I highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
789marypate
Aug 4, 2025
Ronnie at Doorways of Chicago is FABULOUS - We arranged for a private tour for our group of 16 women and Ronnie didn't disappoint! Our first event sold out quickly and we are actually now planning a 3rd event with Ronnie for this exact tour. Ronnie's style is incredibly inviting and his passion for the building, it's former tenants and his love of architecture is contagious. I would highly recommend this tour. Thanks Ronnie from the Women's Connection group (MP)
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Joan
Jul 19, 2025
Hidden gem - The Fine Arts Building is a hidden gem, which Ronnie revealed to us in an entertaining and educational tour. Highly recommended!
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Betty0301
May 3, 2025
Surprise Gem - Take this tour. The Fine Arts Building is a revelation, and our guide, Ronnie Frey, held the keys to revealing its history and the characters who gave/give the building life. Ronnie's enthusiasm and engaging narration carried us across more than a century of the building's existence. He shared his appreciation for the many original features, including the still manually operated elevators, light fixtures, decorative balustrades and muraled walls. We marveled at it all and left exhilarated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacation10822212524
May 2, 2025
Unexpected Treasures - The building was fascinating, the tour was informative, and Mr Frey was the perfect guide. I would recommend the experience to anyone seeking to discover Chicago’s hidden gems — both architectural and personal.
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Sarah
Mar 31, 2025
Go for it! - I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and wish there was a second part because there was so much to learn. Ronnie provided a link for our phones that allowed us to see photos of people, the old exterior, as well as other related photos that enhanced the experience. The tour ended in Ronnie’s studio where I found fabulous cards as well as prints - both framed and unframed. There were also other things for purchase but I felt no pressure to buy something. This would be an excellent activity for out-of-town guests and native Chicagoans.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X9984wlmathieub
Mar 5, 2025
So much history, so much culture, so much fun - Ronnie was a wonderful guide for my wife and I learn more about a building that we had visited and had caught our eye but about which we didn't know a whole lot. We look forward to joining Doorways of Chicago Again soon
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Abigaill123
Oct 14, 2024
Fine Arts Building Tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Ronnie is an amazing and engaging tour guide, I had a wonderful time learning about the historical Fine Arts Building. I enjoy interior design, and he lead a tour that was fun and educational. And his love for Chicago comes through in his tour, which made it even more special. Would certainly recommend!
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Maryks4337rw
Jun 10, 2024
The Fine Arts Building Tour - Ronnie Frey is a splendid tour guide! His space in The Fine Arts Building is spectacular. He has a beautiful view of The Board of Trade and Willis Tower. What a wonderful tour of this marvelous building. Ronnie is SO knowledgeable and has an infectious personality and laugh! You will not be disappointed in any of his tours....I've been on many and I always learn something new in his narrative. Take one of Ronnie's tours!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $45
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).