Inside Tour of Chicago’s Fine Arts Building

After a day taking two of Ronnie’s tours, Art Deco Madness and the Fine Arts Building, I see Chicago in a whole new light. I have a newfound appreciation for buildings I’ve passed by many times over the years and the beautiful elements of their enduring architecture. These tours are not just for out-of-town visitors, but for those who love their city and want to appreciate its beauty and history in a new way. “Look up,” Ronnie says. You’ll be amazed by what you see and how you take that knowledge with you in every city you visit!

Ronnie’s passion for architecture and the Fine Arts Building makes this a must see tour. It is obvious he has put so much of his time into making sure every second is full of the most interesting facts about the building and its creative tenants throughout the years. I don’t want to spoil any of it for you, but know that you haven’t lived until you’ve spent time with Ronnie in this building.

Such a fun experience! Got a chance to experience history and beauty in one tour! Highly reccomend.

My friend and I took Ronnie's tour of the Fine Arts building. I'd never been there before, and since we had such a great time on his tour of Wicker Park workers' cottages, we thought we'd try this one as well. Unsurprisingly it was just as fun and informative as the Wicker Park tour. Ronnie pointed out many surprising things about the building, from interesting architectural choices to the lives and careers of people who had artists' studios in the past. Plus, we got to ride on the last elevator in Chicago which still had an operator! The tour was a bit more than two hours, and was entirely indoors, so it was perfect for a winter day. We told Ronnie at the end of the tour that we'll definitely be joining him for another tour once the weather cooperates. Highly recommended for anyone 10 or older. The tour was also very reasonably priced (about $35 per person) for what you get, which is a very in-depth look at an architectural jewel.

Ronnie is a fantastic and passionate tour guide of this incredible building filled with amazing and unique architectural features and history. Highly recommend this enjoyable and delightful experience!!!

This was a fun tour. I learned a lot and definitely saw things we would not have found on our own. Our guide was super knowledgeable and passionate about Chicago architecture which made it fun.

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

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!

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)

The Fine Arts Building is a hidden gem, which Ronnie revealed to us in an entertaining and educational tour. Highly recommended!