Check out Michigan Avenue’s latest gem during your visit to Chicago! The stunning ten-story faceted window wall that forms the façade of the new Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies is a direct expression of the mission and values of the organization, offering a literal “window” into the world of Jewish learning and culture.
With few exceptions, the historic South Michigan Avenue streetwall is composed of buildings with private uses, so the public cannot easily enjoy the extraordinary views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan available from these buildings. The Spertus façade emerges from the solidity of the predominately masonry-faced buildings surrounding it and creates an opening in the scale of the streetwall, beckoning visitors to enter and explore the rich variety of offerings within.
The new Spertus facility is a model of environmental sustainability, applying energy-saving technologies throughout. The new facility will be in compliance with the Silver Level of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System, a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for high-performance, sustainable buildings.
Environmental elements include energy efficiency provided by the materials being used on the glass façade, a 6,659-square-foot green roof, a 425-square-foot open-air terrace, plus environmentally friendly building materials, HVAC and lighting systems, and water efficiency.
The first exhibition at the new facility is entitled The New Authentics: Artists of the Post-Jewish Generation. The New Authentics are 21st-century American Jews. Free to choose their affiliations, they are Jewish culturally, religiously, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, partially, biologically, or invisibly. This exhibit explores contemporary notions of Jewish identity through the work of 16 artists living in the United States.