The Mecca Flats in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood have a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Originally built as a hotel to accommodate visitors to the World’s Fair, the building was later converted into apartments and became a hub for creativity during the Black Renaissance. Despite being subject to segregation laws, Mecca Flats welcomed Black residents in 1911 and quickly became a home to renowned artists like Gwendolyn Brooks, Muddy Waters, and Katherine Dunham.
Unfortunately, the building was demolished in 1952 to make way for the modernist S.R. Crown Hall designed by Mies van der Rohe. However, the memory of Mecca Flats lives on through projects like “for Mecca” by the Floating Museum collective. This large-scale inflatable structure recreates the iconic building and offers a tangible artifact of Chicago’s lost history. The installation, which features a U-shaped passageway for viewers to walk through, pays homage to the cultural significance of Mecca Flats and other former South Side institutions like the Savoy Ballroom and the Regal Theatre.
The Floating Museum, co-directed by avery r. young, Andrew Schachman, Faheem Majeed, and Jeremiah Hulsebos-Spofford, aims to uncover critical cultural and historical legacies within Chicago through public installations like “for Mecca”. The project debuted at the original site and will travel to various parks across the city through the summer of 2026. By bringing back the spirit of Mecca Flats, the Floating Museum hopes to spark conversations about the city’s past and honor the contributions of its diverse communities.
To learn more about the Floating Museum and their projects, visit their website and join the conversation about Chicago’s rich cultural heritage.
