Elevator Enclosure Grille, from the Chicago Stock Exchange, 30 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois

1962, removed from the Chicago Stock Exchange; 1962, gifted by Kenneth Newberger and Carroll Sudler (Chicago, IL) to the Museum of Modern Art (New York, NY); 1974, gifted by the Museum of Modern Art (distributed through the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle) to the Elvehjem Art Center [now called Chazen Museum of Art]

This tall, vertically oriented rectangular elevator grille is made of dark metal strips arranged in an open framework that creates a geometric pattern of intersecting lines and open spaces. The design consists of repeating circular motifs organized in a grid that spans the entire frame. The circles are evenly spaced and aligned both horizontally and vertically, producing a uniform, symmetrical layout. Each column contains large, open circles bisected by two straight rods running vertically through their centers. Within each circle is a stylized “X” shape formed by four short diagonal arms tipped with small metal spheres. Decorative, spool-shaped segments connect the columns horizontally at the intersections. The overall effect is an airy grid of curves and straight lines punctuated by small dots. Mounted at the center of the grille is a solid, copper-brown metal panel shaped like the capital letter “T.” Distinct from the dark grid, it features a dense, textured web of interlaced geometric and curvilinear lines, oval forms, and lattice-like patterns. At the bottom, a solid rectangular kick plate spans the full width of the grille. The copper-brown metal plate displays a smooth, unadorned surface bordered by a line of small circles. A thin metal frame encloses the grille.

• North America
• Architectural Decoration
• Alt Text Accessible

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