The Gwen's Art Deco history and Gwen Lux sculpture
The Gwen sits inside the 1929 McGraw-Hill Art Deco building on the Magnificent Mile and takes its name from sculptor Gwen Lux, whose work still appears on the building. The hotel preserves that Art Deco character throughout its public spaces and features several modern sculptures and period-inspired details in the lobby and rooftop areas.
In this guide
Art Deco origins and Gwen Lux
The Gwen occupies the landmark 1929 McGraw-Hill Building façade, an Art Deco landmark on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The hotel name honors sculptor Gwen Lux, whose architectural sculpture remains part of the building’s original decorative program.
You can see Art Deco motifs carried into the hotel’s public spaces: carved paneling, geometric details, and sculptural accents that reference the building’s 1920s design while the hotel provides modern hospitality services.
- Building: 1929 McGraw-Hill Building (landmarked Art Deco façade).
- Named for: Sculptor Gwen Lux — her work still adorns the building.
| Historical detail | What you'll notice |
|---|---|
| Construction date | 1929 (McGraw-Hill Building) |
| Architectural style | Art Deco carved panels and sculptural ornament |
| Namesake | Gwen Lux (sculptor) |
Lobby art, sculpture and design highlights
The lobby blends original Art Deco elements with contemporary furnishings and sculpture installations. Look for carved wall panels, a mix of mirrored and metallic surfaces, and modern art pieces placed near seating areas.
The lobby seating areas show bold color accents and sculptural focal points that reference the building’s decorative past while providing a current-hotel lounge feel.
- Design elements to note: carved wall panels, mirrored bars, brass and velvet seating
- Lobby art includes modern abstract pieces placed near seating clusters
- Public spaces connect directly into The Shops at North Bridge from the lobby
| Lobby spot | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Lobby seating cluster | Colorful sofas, brass screens, mirrored bar reflections |
| Central sculpture area | Chandeliers and lounge chairs arranged around artwork |
| Entrance corridor | Carved wall panels and revolving door |
Where to see Gwen Lux and other sculptures
The hotel is named for Gwen Lux because original sculptural work by Lux is part of the building’s façade and decorative history. Inside the hotel guests will also find contemporary abstract sculptures placed in the lobby and terrace areas that echo the building’s sculptural heritage.
If you’re specifically looking to photograph sculpture or architectural reliefs, begin at the main entrance and the lobby circulation routes; they connect the exterior decorative program to the hotel’s interior installations.
- Start: hotel entrance and lobby corridors for carved reliefs
- Indoors: abstract sculptures and banquette seating arranged as photographic subjects
- Rooftop/terraces: outdoor art and furnishings that reference Art Deco geometry
| Location | Type of work |
|---|---|
| Exterior façade | Original sculptural reliefs credited to Gwen Lux |
| Lobby | Modern abstract sculptures and Art Deco decorative panels |
| Rooftop terrace | Sculptural furniture and design elements framing skyline views |
Rooms: Artful details and options
Guest rooms and suites mix contemporary comfort with artwork and murals that reflect the hotel’s aesthetic. Room types include standard rooms and several suite categories with terrace options.
Exact room names are provided below so you can request a specific layout or view when booking.
- Room names to request: Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Grand Room, 1 King Bed; Grand Room, 2 Queen Beds; Junior Suite; Superior Suite, with Sofa bed; Deluxe Suite, with Sofa bed; Junior Suite, Terrace; Superior Suite, with Sofa bed, Terrace
- Suites and terrace rooms are useful if you want more living space or private outdoor access.
| Type | Typical bed setup |
|---|---|
| Superior Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Deluxe Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Junior Suite | 1 King Bed |
| Superior Suite, with Sofa bed | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
Dining, rooftop and artful food experiences
Dining at The Gwen ties into its design story: Kostali on the lobby level offers Mediterranean menus, while Upstairs at The Gwen is the rooftop American restaurant and bar with skyline views and a program of events such as Tipsy Tea on weekend afternoons.
Upstairs at The Gwen and Tipsy Tea are both meant to be social, design-forward dining experiences that pair food and cocktails with the hotel’s rooftop atmosphere.
- Kostali: Mediterranean restaurant on the lobby level; reservation required
- Upstairs at The Gwen: rooftop American dining, fire pits, skyline views; serves breakfast through late evening
- Tipsy Tea: weekend boozy afternoon tea experience at Upstairs (Sat–Sun, 12:00–4:00 p.m.)
| Venue | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Kostali | Mediterranean cuisine; lobby level; reservation recommended |
| Upstairs at The Gwen | Rooftop American dining, cocktails, skyline views, fire pits |
| Tipsy Tea | Afternoon tea with themed towers and tea cocktails (weekends) |
Practicalities for visitors
The Gwen is at 521 North Rush Street, half a block off Michigan Avenue and offers direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge. Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM (noon).
The property has no on-site swimming pool or full-service spa; its wellness offering centers on a 24-hour fitness center with Tonal and Peloton equipment. Expect a daily destination fee and separate charges for valet parking and some services.
- Address: 521 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, US
- Check-in/out: 3:00 PM check-in, 12:00 PM (noon) check-out
- No on-site pool or full-service spa; 24-hour fitness center available
- Valet parking and a destination fee apply; the hotel is family-welcoming (booking guest must be 21+)
| Practical item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wi‑Fi | Complimentary basic Wi‑Fi is listed as a standard amenity |
| Pets | Allowed up to 40 lbs per the hotel's FAQ with applicable fees |
| Parking | Valet parking available (fee applies) |
