Three Arts Club was formed to be a social center and a "safe and congenial" home for women studying arts in Chicago.

Nestled in Chicago's historic Gold Coast neighborhood, the Three Arts Club is a testament to the city's vibrant cultural heritage and commitment to fostering artistic talent. Founded in 1912, the Three Arts Club was established as a haven for young women pursuing careers in the "three arts" of music, drama, and painting.

1300 North Dearborn Street: In 1915, the club moved to a new, larger building at this address. The building, designed by architects Holabird & Roche, could house up to 92 women. This remained the Three Arts Club's location until it closed in 2004. Today, the building at 1300 North Dearborn Street is owned by Restoration Hardware Chicago and houses an art gallery and the Three Arts Café.

The first Three Arts Club residence at 1614 North LaSalle Street had a restaurant and rooms to house sixteen women. In 1914, the club commissioned its building, designed by architects Holabird & Roche. The new three-story building opened in 1915 at 1300 N. Dearborn Street, at the intersection of Goethe and Dearborn, with 92 residence rooms. It was designated a Chicago Landmark on June 10, 1981.

Over 13,000 women stayed in the club throughout its history.

The Chicago chapter, modeled after the Three Arts Club of New York, aimed to provide aspiring female artists with affordable, safe housing, collaborative spaces, and a supportive network of mentors and peers. The club's founders recognized the unique challenges faced by women in the early 20th century, particularly those seeking to break into male-dominated creative fields. The Three Arts Club empowered countless women to pursue their artistic dreams by offering a safe and nurturing environment.

The club's elegant Renaissance Revival building, designed by architect Holabird & Roche, featured dormitory-style rooms, a spacious dining hall, a library, and various studios for artistic practice. Over the years, the Three Arts Club became a bustling hub of creativity, hosting recitals, exhibitions, and theatrical performances. It also served as a social center where members could gather for lectures, workshops, and other cultural events.

Three Arts Club continuously provided residential space for women artists until 2004, when the last residents moved out. In 2007, the building was sold to developers, and the net proceeds were invested in an operating fund to seed and grow a new nonprofit, 3Arts.

Throughout its history, the Three Arts Club has welcomed diverse, talented women, including musicians, dancers, actors, painters, sculptors, and writers. Notable residents included Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lorraine Hansberry, renowned dancer Ruth Page, and acclaimed actress Geraldine Page. The club's impact extended beyond its walls as alumnae succeeded in various artistic disciplines, contributing to Chicago's rich cultural landscape and inspiring female artists.

In the late 20th century, the Three Arts Club faced financial difficulties and dwindling membership. It ceased operations as a residential club in 2004, but its legacy lived on through a new nonprofit organization, 3Arts, which continues to support women artists in Chicago.

In 2007, the Three Arts Club building was sold to developers, and in 2015, Restoration Hardware transformed it into a luxury retail store and restaurant. While the building's original purpose has shifted, its architectural grandeur and historical significance remain. Today, the Three Arts Club stands as a reminder of Chicago's vibrant artistic heritage and its unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and empowering women.

The Three Arts Club of Chicago, as a residential club and organization supporting women artists, no longer exists. 3Arts is a newer nonprofit organization that supports artists working in the Chicago metropolitan area's performing, teaching, and visual arts. https://www.3arts.org/

3AP (3Arts Projects) is a unique crowdfunding platform with a built-in match that helps Chicago artists finance new creative work. Currently, they have  200 Projects, $1,228,253 raised, and $301,378 matched.

Today, Restoration Hardware Chicago owns the Three Arts Club building, which has an art gallery and restaurant (3 Arts Club Café) at 1300 N. Dearborn Street. The original dormitory floor boundary lines, dining hall, and kitchen remain.

The Former Three Arts Club Building sold for $44.7 million on October 28, 2021. The Gold Coast landmark houses Restoration Hardware and its 3 Arts Club Cafe, which will remain there under a long-term lease. Chicago trader Don Wilson's real estate company has sold the historic Gold Coast building that houses Restoration Hardware and its 3 Arts Club Cafe.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale. Ph.D.

MUSEUMS

SMALL CHICAGO MUSEUMS

Chicago's small museums hold a unique place in the city's cultural tapestry. They offer niche collections and intimate experiences that complement the offerings of larger institutions. While some have long-established histories, others have emerged more recently, adding to the diversity of Chicago's cultural landscape.

A Rich Museum History

The History of Dime Museums in Early 20th-century Chicago, Illinois. Harry Houdini performed at Dime Museums so often that he got the nickname "Dime Museum Harry." Dime Museums were one of the lowest rungs on the showbiz ladder, sometimes not much more than a storefront with a mix of sideshow acts, macabre curios, and freaks.

The history of small museums in Chicago dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period when the city experienced rapid growth and industrialization. As the city's population expanded and diversified, so did its cultural interests. This led to the establishment of numerous small museums dedicated to specific topics or communities.

The Dime Museum's social trend peaked during the Progressive era (ca. 1890–1920)

One of the earliest examples is the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum, located at 1155 East 58th Street in Chicago. Founded in 1919 at the University of Chicago, the museum initially served as a research institution focused on ancient Near Eastern civilizations. It soon opened its doors to the public, showcasing artifacts from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and other regions. The museum's collection continued to grow throughout the 20th century and remains a significant resource for scholars and enthusiasts.

Another early example is the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, founded in 1961. Located in the city's South Side, it became the first institution in the United States dedicated to preserving and interpreting African American history and culture. The museum's collection comprises artifacts, documents, and works of art that chronicle the contributions of African Americans to society. It's in Washington Park, 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago.

Dime Museums were at the lowest rungs on the Chicago showbiz ladder.

Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin, Illinois.

International Museum of Surgical Science at 1524 N Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

Kline Creek Farm is a Living History Farm and Museum in West Chicago, Illinois.

Labor and Industry Museum, Belleville, Illinois.

Lewis Round Barn and Museum in Mendon, Adams County, Illinois.

Libby Prison War Museum was in Chicago from 1889 to 1897.

Melvin Price Locks and Dam & National Great Rivers Museum, Alton, Illinois.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry:

Julius Rosenwald Industrial Museum, Today's Museum of Science & Industry.

Griffin Museum of Science & Industry - 18-Foot Walk-Through Heart Display. 
Griffin Museum of Science & Industry was renamed the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry.

National Great Rivers Museum & Melvin Price Locks and Dam, Alton, Illinois.

Smith Stained Glass Museum History at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, from 2000 to 2014. 

Tinker Family and Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens in Rockford, Illinois.

Evolution and Expansion

In the following decades, Chicago's small museum scene continued to evolve and expand. The city's diverse neighborhoods became home to museums dedicated to specific ethnic groups, such as the Polish Museum of America and the National Museum of Mexican Art. These institutions celebrated the cultural heritage of their respective communities and served as centers for education and community engagement.

Chicago also saw the emergence of institutions dedicated to specific interests or topics. The International Museum of Surgical Science, founded in 1954, houses a collection of medical artifacts and instruments that trace the history of surgery. The Busy Beaver Button Museum, established in 2005, is a quirky and unique institution that celebrates the history and artistry of pinback buttons.

The 21st Century and Beyond

In recent years, Chicago's small museum scene has continued to thrive, with new institutions opening their doors and established ones finding innovative ways to engage audiences. The American Writers Museum, founded in 2017, features interactive exhibits that delve into the lives and works of American authors. The National Veterans Art Museum, founded in 1981, provides a platform for veterans to express their experiences through art. The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, was established as both a museum and a school for the fine arts, marking a critical era in Chicago's history as civic energies were devoted to rebuilding the metropolis that had been destroyed by the Great Fire of 1871.

The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South La Salle Street.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.