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Hall & Space Rentals

Performance, Rehearsal, & Event Spaces in the Heart of Chicago

Merit School of Music’s versatile music center in Chicago’s West Loop offers a wide range of competitively priced space rental options to accommodate performances, rehearsals, receptions, lectures, meetings, and other community events.

At this time, we are not renting out individual classrooms or practice rooms.

 
merit school of music front doors

Why Rent Space at Merit?

Music Is Our Thing

Our acoustically engineered rental spaces are designed to make musicians shine.

Plus, 100% of your rental costs support Merit’s mission to deliver high-quality music education to Chicagoland youth.

Personalized Support

Whether or not your event is a musical one, our expert rentals team will work with you to customize the space to your needs.

Big or small—all events held at Merit include complimentary onsite event support, ensuring a welcoming and seamless experience for you and your guests.

Great Location

Located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Merit is a short distance from suburban commuter stations, CTA trains and buses, and major highways, making it convenient for anyone in Chicagoland.

Our music center is also surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and parks—perfect for pre- or post-event activities!

Rental Spaces

Anne & Howard Gottlieb Hall

Designed specifically for acoustic chamber music, Gottlieb Hall is our largest performance hall, providing a stunning setting for all musical and stage performances, lectures, recordings, auditions — any occasion where stellar acoustics are key.


The two-level hall seats up to 350 people (250-seat floor, 100-seat balcony). Main-level seats may be removed to create an open and airy space to accommodate cocktail receptions, banquets, or other custom set-ups.


The 1,000-sq. foot performance stage accommodates 80 seats.

Foreman Hall

A large, multi-purpose space delivering high sound quality, Foreman Hall is ideal for group rehearsals, performances, recitals, large meetings, lectures, receptions, or any event accommodating up to 175 seats.

Polk Bros. Hall

Frequently used for performances, rehearsals, and large meetings, Polk Brothers Hall offers a high-quality acoustical space and flexible seating options for up to 90 seats.

Community Room

Merit’s Community Room (90-seat capacity) is a great option for smaller meetings, receptions, and presentations. Located directly off our lobby and featuring a full wall of east-facing windows, this sunny room is built for community building!

At this time, we are not renting out individual classrooms or practice rooms.

Hall reservation availability:

  • Monday – Friday: 9am-9pm
  • Saturday: Limited availability during summer only (Labor Day to Memorial Day). Additional charges may apply.
  • Sunday: Limited afternoon availability for an additional charge

Rental Amenities

Included with all rentals:

  • Onsite operations staff to support your function
  • Tables and chairs
  • Music stands
  • One piano (All performance halls include grand pianos, and the Community Room includes an upright)
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Ability to place directional signage in Merit’s lobby and hallways

Optional add-ons for additional cost:

  • In-house AV equipment, including projectors, screens, podiums, microphones (handhelds and lavaliers), and extension cords
  • While we don’t offer in-house AV support, renters can bring their own engineer or contract directly with Emmy-nominated Valhalla Media
  • Percussion instruments and additional pianos
  • Rates for use of Merit’s parking lot are available upon request. (While parking is not included in rentals, a limited number of spots may be available publicly via SpotHero)

Pricing

Merit's room rentals are competitively priced and 100% of all rental fees help us provide equal access to high-quality music instruction to the youth of Chicago. We offer rentals by the hour or for the day at a discounted rate.

Hall Hourly Rate Day Rate
Gottlieb
$265/hour
$1,600
Foreman
$160/hour
$950
Polk
$110/hour
$650

Community Room

$110/hour
$650

Hall reservation availability:

  • Monday – Friday: 9am-9pm
  • Saturday: Limited availability during summer only (Labor Day to Memorial Day). Additional charges may apply.
  • Sunday: Limited afternoon availability for an additional charge

Ready to plan your event?

Fill out our rental inquiry form to get the process started!