For the lobby at 110 N Wacker, a dynamic sculpture program has become part of the building's identity. TurningArt has partnered with the CBRE team since 2023, rotating five pieces by local Chicago sculptors every six months to keep the space feeling fresh for tenants and visitors alike. For the Summer/Fall 2026 collection, the goal was to bring more color into the lobby, and the result is a rotation that trades the smoother forms of the last collection for pieces with more texture, depth, and warmth.
From Niamh Carty, the Art Advisor at TurningArt:
"The lobby at 110 N Wacker features a rotating sculpture program that highlights five unique pieces in each rotation. Since 2023, four collections have been installed, featuring almost entirely local, Chicago-based sculptors. Each rotation involves five placements in the lobby: one large focal piece in the South corner of the lobby, visible as you enter and through the windows from the street, and four smaller sculptures, each placed at the end of an elevator bank. The back ends of each elevator bank have large windows facing the Chicago River, and the Chicago architecture cruise goes right by the building. Each sculpture is selected to complement this iconic backdrop and bring a taste of Chicago’s creative culture into the space itself. It's so lovely that the 110 N Wacker team puts this kind of effort into making the space interesting and engaging for everyone who passes through.
For the Summer/Fall 2026 collection, the team was looking to add more color. Jason Messinger's pieces were the perfect fit: his ceramics are not only colorful, but the mosaic technique creates dynamic depth as light hits each piece from different angles. Brian Monaghan's piece DANCING also brings a fresh color to the lobby with its warm earth tone. Whereas the Winter/Spring 2026 collection focused on smoother forms and edges, this one displays more fluidity and color.
Originals, particularly sculptures, always present additional logistical challenges. However, that only makes the final product that much more rewarding! For this collection, we had to procure a larger pedestal for Brian Monaghan's DANCING, since the previous pieces in that space weren't as wide at their bases. Brian kindly transported DANCING to the site on installation day, and the process of bringing it inside was nerve-racking. Moving a 200 lb, awkwardly-shaped, one-of-a-kind sculpture from one of the busiest streets in Chicago into the lobby was a challenge, but the installers worked seamlessly with Brian, and the installation came together beautifully–a testament to the hard work and collaboration that shaped this collection.
While the process can be long and take unexpected twists and turns, it's so gratifying to see the final product installed and to be with the building management and tenants on installation day. During this most recent installation in particular, I could feel the excitement among the building staff, security, and tenants. I saw countless curious glances at the sculptures while they were being staged, and I had so many lovely conversations with curious visitors. Moments of connection and enthusiasm like these truly represent the value of bringing art into a space. With this being the fourth rotation, the building’s community eagerly anticipates installation day. I absolutely love this latest collection!"
From Matt Vail, Real Estate Manager at CBRE:
"The property team at 110 North Wacker partners with TurningArt to thoughtfully elevate the main lobby experience for both building tenants and their visitors. Introducing a rotating art program featuring local artists creates opportunities for greater engagement with the surrounding community while inspiring creativity and conversation among the building's tenancy.
The lobby’s rotating art program generally features five sculptural pieces displayed for a six-month period – one larger piece positioned in the south corner of the lobby and four smaller pieces placed within the elevator banks. The smaller pieces are also periodically rotated within the elevator banks to ensure visibility extends across the building and is not limited to tenants within a single elevator rise. This collection in the main lobby often serves as an extension of the many art installations curated by individual tenants throughout their office suites, creating a cohesive experience throughout the building.
The TurningArt Advisory team, led by Niamh Carty, has made a valuable contribution to the lobby experience by presenting a diverse selection of sculptural works that complement the building’s modern aesthetic and sophisticated tenant base."
To see more of TurningArt's work on-site, head over to our installation gallery. To learn more about our programs, set up a free consultation with an Art Advisor here!