The Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago is an iconic building and the world's premier wholesale design center, first opening its doors for business back in 1930. Now hosting numerous trade shows and community events every year since, its history dates back more than eighty years!
The Merchandise Mart boasts several intriguing attractions that make it worth visiting, including its Hall of Fame with its sculptured Indian chiefs.
When the Merchandise Mart first opened its doors in 1930, it was the largest building ever. Covering two city blocks along Chicago River and home to office spaces, showrooms, retail shops and convention/trade show space; conventions/trade shows take place here annually.
The design of this building was heavily influenced by Art Deco style, featuring a terra-cotta and limestone facade featuring recessed vertical windows with dark spandrels that emphasize its verticality, corner towers, and an asymmetrical facade as characteristics typical of Art Deco buildings.
Art pieces have been installed along the promenade at the Mart, selected through its Art on the Mart program and overseen by its public art advisory board. Additionally, there are evening events held on its riverfront facade.
The Merchandise Mart is one of Chicago's top tourist spots, yet its vast interior offers more than just merchandise sales. Alongside dozens of stores that sell products, there is also an impressive collection of art deco sculptures and 17 murals depicting world commerce.
The Merchandise Mart also houses the Design Center, with over 125 showrooms offering furniture, fabric, wallpaper, lighting and more from top brands. Though technically for trade only, you may still shop here with designers (such as MDI).
Last fall I spent some time at the Mart with MDI team members and was absolutely floored by all of its amazing showrooms and displays. There's plenty of places to stop for coffee or lunch during your workday, while providing plenty of chances to change up your environment and find inspiration.
Eight heroic-sized bronze busts pay homage to American merchants whose companies and products were highly recognized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Joseph Kennedy created the Hall of Fame in 1953 to commemorate those responsible for shaping America's shopping system into what it is today. Charles Umlauf and Milton Horn, two acclaimed sculptors, created eight portrait busts that guard the promenade pointing in the direction of the Mart's golden front door. Edward Albert Filene of Boston is widely credited with popularizing credit unions across America; Marshall Field of Chicago; John Wanamaker from New York's Wanamaker department store is another important name; Julius Rosenwald founded Sears Roebuck company in Chicago while Aaron Montgomery Ward from Minnesota became an early mail order pioneer and Robert E. Wood was appointed president and chairman of Sears Roebuck's board of directors.
By the 1990s, however, the Hall of Fame had become out-of-step with an expansive building housing interior design showrooms. Vornado Realty Trust began making changes in 2016 in an effort to keep the Merchandise Mart relevant and attract a younger generation of shoppers.
The Mart is truly remarkable - offering showrooms for window shopping, food or beverage services during and after work, and many beautiful areas to alter up office environments. Being located right by the river makes this spot even more special! If you get the chance to check out Art on the Mart - an awesome digital projection event which occurs nightly across its river-facade displaying contemporary artwork - take it!
Originaly, the promenade was lined with busts of Indian chiefs which were removed and replaced by concrete plates during modernization of the building in 1961. Now covered by trees and restaurants with trash receptacles for disposal; Jules Guerin designed an interlocking letter M motif into 17 murals for Jules Mart. Additionally there are turnstiles providing access to this landmark building from both pedestrians and vehicles.
