# @fineartsbuilding on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DZVkzAZEjRE
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66434105-fineartsbuilding-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b6cffbf072.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-06-08T19:45:08.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Fine Arts Building (@fineartsbuilding) — https://gondola.cc/fineartsbuilding

## Caption

It’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday! 🎉

The legendary architect briefly had a studio here and was part of multiple clubs in the building, especially the Caxton Club, a society for bibliophiles dedicated to printing books in the Arts and Crafts style. But Wright played a bigger part in the building’s history by designing and remodeling three different spaces from 1907 - 1914. 

First (photos 1 and 2) was Browne’s Bookstore on the seventh floor, called “the most beautiful bookstore in the world” by tenant Margaret Anderson. Designed to be reminiscent of a home library, the space featured alcoves with tables and chairs, padded benches, a “children’s corner,” and even a fireplace. One end of the bookstore looked out on Lake Michigan and the other over the Venetian courtyard. 

Another of Wright’s designs (photos 3 and 4) was for Thurber Art Galleries in 1908, located where William Harris Lee & Co. is today. The gallery was known for introducing early modernist painting from Europe to Chicago. Wright’s custom oak chairs, benches, and portfolio screens were all designed so visitors could sit and admire the art. 

#chicagohistory #fineartsbuilding #franklloydwright

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 52
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| The Fine Arts Building | @fineartsbuilding | https://gondola.cc/fineartsbuilding | Creative Director |

## Tags

franklloydwright, fineartsbuilding, chicagohistory

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