Krueck and Sexton’s light-filled Spertus Institute for Jewish Studies opens in Chicago
Chicago got a lot of new buildings this year. One of the more unique ones is the new Spertus Institute for Jewish Studies, designed by Krueck and Sexton Architects, which Chicago Tribune architecture critic, Blair Kamin called “the finest cultural project in Chicago since the 2004 completion of Millennium Park.” Its sculptural façade of cascading faceted glass, which is built from 726 windows in 556 different shapes, stands out among Michigan Avenue’s stalwart masonry skyscrapers, making it easy to locate on the streetscape.
The 10-storey, $55 million structure will house enhanced gallery, classroom, and library space, for the Spertus Museum, Spertus College and the Asher Library. Included in the building are a 400-seat theater for lectures, performances, and film; spaces for community events, cultural festivals, and celebrations that offer spectacular views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan. Also included are a children's center, a kosher café and gift shop; and state of the art archival storage spaces.
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