Plumbers Hall (Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium)

Plumbers Hall, formally known as the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium, offers visitors an unexpected cultural experience in Chicago's Near West Side. Located at 1340 West Washington Boulevard, this union hall transforms periodically into a temporary venue for arts and cultural events, bringing a unique dimension to Chicago's diverse arts scene. The building serves as the home of Plumbers Local Union 130 UA, and when it opens its doors for performances and exhibitions, it provides audiences with an intriguing alternative to traditional theater and gallery spaces. The very nature of experiencing art in a working union hall adds a distinctive character that sets it apart from conventional venues throughout the city. As a temporary venue, Plumbers Hall hosts a rotating selection of performances, exhibitions, and cultural events rather than maintaining a permanent collection or year-round programming schedule. Visitors should check the venue's website at plumberslu130ua.com for current and upcoming events, as the space is utilized for arts programming on a selective basis. This temporary nature means that each event held here feels special and intentional, often featuring experimental works, community-focused performances, or events that benefit from the hall's unique setting. The programming takes advantage of the building's distinct identity, creating opportunities for artists and audiences to engage with work in an environment that carries its own history and purpose beyond the arts. When visiting Plumbers Hall for an event, expect a functional space that reflects its primary purpose as a union meeting hall while offering adequate facilities for cultural programming. The Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium provides seating and acoustics suitable for performances and presentations, though the atmosphere differs markedly from purpose-built theaters or white-cube galleries. This authenticity is part of the appeal, as visitors experience art in a space that maintains connections to Chicago's labor history and working-class heritage. The venue's location in the Near West Side places it within reach of the city's downtown core while offering a perspective on Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. Since events here are periodic rather than continuous, advance planning is essential, and visitors should verify event details, accessibility information, and any specific attendance requirements through the venue's official channels before making the trip.