Mana Contemporary Chicago

Mana Contemporary Chicago is a fantastic spot for art lovers. The space is modern and thoughtfully designed, showcasing a wide range of contemporary works. It’s a great place to discover new artists and immerse yourself in creative exhibits. The atmosphere is calm and inspiring, making it perfect for a relaxed visit. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions about the art. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in Chicago and appreciate contemporary art!

Great space for art-themed events and more. Easy, free parking (where else can you get that?!) that makes the drive over no big deal. If given the opportunity to visit here...go!

Wonderful working art studio spaces and public gallery. These photos are from a recent Purvis Young exhibit.

We came to see the gallery and everything went wrong. Their address in google maps is wrong and this place doesn't have enough signs to let you know where is the gate. We eventually found the gate by trial and error after wondering around for a long time. We somehow got the gate and there was a sign that asking us to ring the bell. We rang the bell and waited 5 mins..nothing happened. Someone has left the building and we got inside. The bad thing is there was someone to secure the building the whole time and didn't notice us while we're waiting outside. Avoid if you can...

This is a review for the staff, particularly the security guard / receptionist who was working today at 10am. I rang the bell and entered the building, hands full and visibly pregnant. The staff member did not greet us and walked away from the reception window. I interpreted this as I should follow him. He exited the reception door and stood there. I informed him of the unit I was visiting and asked him if I needed to sign in. He said I did and so I signed the log sheet. We then stood there (again, hands completely full at 36w pregnant). I then asked him in a very polite tone “what’s the best way to get up there? Is there an elevator?” To which he responded “I’ll take you up there. It’s a holiday; you need to relax. Chill, chill.” I told him I was asking politely because I had never been here before and wasn’t sure where I should be going. I also firmly told him I don’t appreciate being told to relax when I politely inquired where to go with no tone whatsoever. He finally appeared to back down a little but that was the strangest experience and I sure hope the owners and leasees of this building know what kind of person is greeting their guests and is the face of Mana because it was not good, especially as a female.

If you are looking for a place to make your art practice in closed doors and don’t see anyone, this is the place. Pricey spacious studios, some with natural light/ window, some don’t. Internet is NOT included, signal is weak, you will need to go to the 5th floor and do your work there. Customer service is better nowadays but can be improve.

Amazing art experience! Will go back again next year !!

Artist studies for 8 floors, keep an eye out for open studios.

Despite the wondrous sight of the striking, big red brick building with the spire on top, the event entrance (The Other Art Fair, Spring 2019) was in the back, near the parking lot. There are buses in the area and a few scant eateries. It used to be an industrial building so the area around it is composed of current/former factories. The event and inside of the building were awesome! There's an OLD elevator that is like a freight elevator, operated by a person. I am not certain if he worked for the building or the art fair. My sister scored free tickets, so after checkin we got a Bombay Sapphire free drink. They had many interactive activities (pictures, samples, social media), live music, a dj, and the plus of being able to talk to most of the artists. There was a cash/credit bar in the middle of the room and food for purchase. The featured art with women in the water is from LIttle Black Pearl. The art areas were like cubicles, giving each artist either a little or a lot of space for their work, but also a few exhibits took up entire rooms, probably separate of the show. I can see this building becoming huge for art openings, with the parking and all, but they have to increase the public transportation in the area. We ended up grabbing a bite at 8:45 and catching a Lyft home.