The Wrightwood 659—a space dedicated to celebrating architecture and socially involved art, is set to open in Chicago on October 12, 2018. With the opening show dedicated to Le Corbusier and Tadao Ando, who designed this space, the Wrightwood 659 will be a venue for contemplative experiences.
Also, read:
- 14 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Le Corbusier
- Le Corbusier’s Pavilion de l’Esprit Nouveau
Wrightwood 659 is a non-commercial initiative that strives to introduce cultural value in a new form, becoming an essential component of Chicago’s cultural platform. The project was co-founded by the media publisher Fred Eychaner, who is also behind the Alphawood Foundation. Earlier this year, Wrightwood 659 had a “soft pre-opening” with the exhibition Ai Weiwei: “Trace” in Chicago. It was done in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C.
Image Credit: Jeff Goldberg-Esto
The new art space is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. It occupies what used to be an apartment complex, from the 1920s, but got revamped by Tadao Ando in his signature style. Using concrete volumes and natural light, Ando has turned the residential structure into a space full of life, where discussions about art and architecture can freely take place. He has retained the historic brick facade and has managed to marry it with concrete and glass to create an airy exhibition space.
Image Credit: Jeff Goldberg-Esto
The Japanese architect has transformed the 35,000-square-foot-space to create an elegant and modern space. A light-filled atrium, of brick, glass, and concrete welcomes art and architecture lovers while concrete floors and stairs take visitors from one gallery to the next. He has added a floor-to-ceiling glass corridor on the rear and side of the top floor, giving breathtaking views of the neighborhood.
Image Credit: Jeff Goldberg-Esto
“Ando and Le Corbusier: Masters of Architecture” will feature over 100 drawings, models, and photographs by Le Corbusier. These are on loan from numerous institutions, including Foundation Le Corbusier, Paris, and The Art Institute of Chicago. The exhibition will also showcase 106 small-scale models of Le Corbusier’s works made by the students of Ando.
Tadao Ando is to discuss his work at the Art Insitute of Chicago, a day before the opening of the exhibition. The exhibit opens to the public from 12th October 2018 until the 15th of December 2018, but the number of allowed visitors will be limited.
Image Credit: Jeff Goldberg-Esto
“The intention is to provide a contemplative, quiet and meaningful experience for the public to think about, and be inspired by, the shows that are being presented,” said Jim McDonough, executive director of Alphawood.
