Art Institute of Chicago's Beloved Stock Exchange Room May Be Impacted by Expansion Plans

Spared from demolition during the 1970s, the 19th-century room could be reshaped once more.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Art Institute of Chicago is planning a major expansion that could impact the museum's treasured Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room, a 19th-century space that has been preserved and used as an event venue. While no final decisions have been made, the museum has indicated the expansion could affect the room, and their priority would be to find a new location for it.

Why it matters

The Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room is a historically significant space within the Art Institute, with original 19th-century elements that have been preserved. Any changes to the room would be closely watched by the public, as it is a beloved part of the museum's collection and visitor experience.

The details

The trading room occupies about 5,700 square feet within the Art Institute and has functioned as both a visitor attraction and event space since being spared from demolition in the 1970s. The museum has said the east side of the building, where the trading room is located, represents the area with the most potential for expansion as the museum looks to increase its gallery space to display more of its modern and contemporary art holdings.

  • In 2024, Art Institute trustee Aaron Fleischman and his partner Lin Lougheed provided $75 million in funding for the expansion project.
  • In a prior interview, Art Institute director James Rondeau said the museum is currently exhibiting just 15% of its modern and contemporary art collection.

The players

Art Institute of Chicago

A renowned art museum located in Chicago, Illinois that houses a vast collection of artworks spanning various eras and mediums.

Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room

A 19th-century room within the Art Institute of Chicago that was originally part of the Chicago Stock Exchange and has been preserved as a historically significant space within the museum.

James Rondeau

The director of the Art Institute of Chicago who has discussed the museum's expansion plans and need to display more of its modern and contemporary art collection.

Aaron Fleischman

An Art Institute of Chicago trustee who, along with his partner Lin Lougheed, provided $75 million in funding for the museum's expansion project in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“We have very concrete aspirations. We do not have an approved building project.”

— James Rondeau, Art Institute director (Chicago Sun-Times)

What’s next

The Art Institute of Chicago has not yet announced specific details or a timeline for its expansion plans, so the future of the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room remains uncertain. The museum has indicated it would prioritize finding a new location for the room if it is impacted by the expansion, but no final decisions have been made.

The takeaway

The potential reshaping of the Art Institute of Chicago's beloved Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room highlights the challenges museums face in balancing the preservation of historic spaces with the need to expand and modernize their facilities to better serve visitors and display their collections. The outcome of this decision will be closely watched by the public as the museum navigates this delicate balance.