This is the David Rubenstein Forum.
For more than 125 years, the people and ideas of the University of Chicago have helped shape the world and how we understand it. Today the world comes to UChicago—to learn, collaborate, and take part in the vital conversations that happen here. Such a university demands a convening space suited to its stature as a global intellectual destination.
THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED TO HOST A WIDE RANGE OF AUDIENCES
FACULTY MEMBERS
The David Rubenstein Forum was designed specifically for UChicago faculty, taking into consideration their needs and preferred ways of interacting, to offer something never before available both in quality and quantity.
CORPORATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS
For clients outside the university, the Rubenstein Forum offers an inspiring alternative for elevated gatherings while still operating within conference center and industry standards.
STAFF & ADMINISTRATION
As a physical expression of UChicago’s academic character, the Rubenstein Forum is the perfect place to receive high-profile guests, hold board meetings, host peer school conferences, and expose more visitors to the Hyde Park campus.
INSPIRING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES
Awarded LEED Gold status for sustainable design, the David Rubenstein Forum offers a close connection to the outdoors via biophilic design that brings natural lights and views of the surrounding landscape into almost every space.
EXPLORE THE FORUM
The David Rubenstein Forum combines a variety of spaces, both formal and informal, large and small, calm and animated, focused and diffuse, scheduled and spontaneous. On the ground floor, guests are welcomed by two main dining options: a Dining Room that seats over 80 conference attendees and university patrons for breakfast, lunch and dinner and BarDavid, an elevated wine bar and café positioned to be the ideal location to congregate, connect and relax over engaging food and beverage.
Departing from the ground floor, guests can walk up the Bernard J. DelGiorno Grand Staircase to make their way to a keynote event in the University Room, the largest room in the facility that seats more than 600 guests theater-style.
The Rubenstein Forum’s ten-story tower features vibrant and distinct “neighborhoods”. For example, the third and fourth floors are home to Friedman Hall, a 285-seat auditorium optimized for spoken word, including keynote speeches, invited-speaker addresses, and select performances; these floors and other neighborhoods are connected by a two-story lounge. Meeting rooms on the eighth and ninth floors feature premium furnishings, finishes and equipment, such as the Peter May Boardroom, a tiered meeting space that seats over 70.
The Rubenstein Forum’s unique position on the Midway allows for expansive views toward the campus and surrounding communities as well as downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. The City View Room on the 10th floor offers a strong visual connection between the university and the city, and it is an exquisite setting for hosting spectacular special events.