Bush Temple of Music

The Bush Temple of Music is a commercial building at 100 West Chicago Avenue that displays French Renaissance Revival architecture with ornate stone carvings. The facade features decorative elements throughout, reflecting the craftsmanship connected to the musical instrument trade.

The building was constructed in 1901 as the headquarters and showroom for the Bush and Gerts Piano Company when Chicago was a global center of piano manufacturing. It was built during a boom period for the city's musical instrument industry.

The building served as a gathering place for Chicago's music community, where people came to view pianos and attend performances. It represented the city's identity as a center of musical instrument trade and craftsmanship.

The structure is located in the Near North Side and is easily accessible on foot from downtown Chicago. The architecture is fully visible from outside, making a walk by the building ideal for observing the ornate details.

The building was designed by architect J.E.O. Pridmore and combines French Renaissance Revival elements that were rare in North American commercial buildings of the early 1900s. These European architectural borrowings reflected Chicago's ambition to establish itself as a center of culture and commerce.

Location: Chicago

Architects: J. E. O. Pridmore

GPS coordinates: 41.89680,-87.63170

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06