Exploring Wrightwood 659

WDCB’s Gary Zidek visits Chicago’s newest exhibition space, and talks to Wrightwood 659 director Lisa Cavanaugh.

WDCB's Gary Zidek visits the new exhibition space, Wrightwood 659.

“Most people are very surprised. People walk in the door and they are just amazed at the transformation from what is the facade of a 1929 building, into this remarkable exhibition space.” - Lisa Cavanaugh, director of the Wrightwood 659 talking about visitors’ reactions once they enter the building.

Outside of Wrightwood 659. Photo credit Jeff Goldberg-Esto

Chicago’s newest exhibition space sits inconspicuously in a residential area of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.  Walking by 659 West Wrightwood Avenue, you might not realize what’s inside …

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, the four-story structure thoughtfully combines brick, concrete and glass to create a serene exhibition space.

First floor of Wrightwood 659. Photo credit Jeff Goldberg-Esto

In addition to designing Wrightwood 659, Ando is also one of the subjects of the venue’s inaugural exhibition, TADAO ANDO AND LE CORBUSIER: MASTERS OF ARCHITECTURE.

Ando visited Wrightwood 659 for it’s grand opening in October. During his visit, he drew on some of Wrightwood 659’s walls next to framed images of structures he’s designed.

Tadao Ando at Wrightwood 659

Ando’s hand-drawn design next to a photo of one of his works.

The Ando section of the exhibit was curated by architectural historian Dan Whittaker, PhD. He worked with the Ando studio on the installation of that portion of the exhibition. 

If you want to come check out Wrightwood 659 and the current exhibition MASTERS OF ARCHITECTURE (running through December 15) you’ll need reserve a ticket online for a specific viewing time. It’s free, but you do need to reserve you’re ticket.

Go to Wrightwood659.org.

The space is open Wednesday through Saturday.