DANK Haus German American Cultural Center - Chicago, Illinois

Jenny Shultz

We had an amazing experience having our July 2024 wedding at the Dank Haus on the 5th floor! The haus staff is lovely to work with and the vendor policy is pretty open, so food and beverages are easy to bring in. We had plenty of room for 220 people to eat and dance together all night. We loved our wedding day & experience, thank you so much to the DANK haus staff for doing all that you do! A special thank you to Nicole and Charlie for making the weekend perfect.

Minseo Kim

Great experience at the open house! The venue was fascinating, with welcoming staff and stunning artworks. The place really left an impression. Sehr schön!!

Albany Capture

Hidden Gem in Lincoln Square: A Photographer's Perspective at DANK Haus

From the outside, the DANK Haus might seem like any other building in Lincoln Square, but step inside, and you're transported to a world of history, elegance, and charm. As a photographer, capturing moments at this venue was nothing short of magical.

Historical Elegance: The DANK Haus, built in 1927, is a treasure trove of history. The Marunde Ballroom and Skyline Lounge are adorned with original details like terrazzo floors, gilded ornate plaster moldings, and historic chandeliers. These elements provided a rich backdrop for the traditional Japanese wedding I had the privilege to photograph in the summer of 2023.

Modern Amenities: While the venue boasts historical charm, it doesn't shy away from modern amenities. The updated WiFi ensured that wedding photos were shared instantly, and the built-in stage was perfect for entertainment, keeping guests dancing under the disco ball all night.

Skyline Views: One of the standout features of the DANK Haus is its rooftop terrace, Die Terrasse. Offering panoramic views from Edgewater to Indiana, it's a breathtaking spot, especially at night when Chicago turns into a mesmerizing sea of lights. This feature added an extra layer of beauty to the photographs.

Flexibility and Affordability: What makes DANK Haus even more appealing is its flexibility. Unlike many venues that mandate specific caterers, here, couples have the freedom to choose their vendors. Plus, the inclusion of tables, chairs, and free parking for up to 90 vehicles makes it an affordable choice without compromising on the experience.

In Conclusion: The DANK Haus is truly a hidden gem in Lincoln Square. As a photographer, every moment captured here was a blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty. For couples seeking a unique venue that offers both tradition and flexibility, DANK Haus is a top contender.

Carol D

Had our September 2021 wedding here and could not be happier! The city skyline is just an incredible and it was an absolutely gorgeous final Saturday of the summer. We had the 6th floor Terrasse Patio for the ceremony and cocktail hour, as well as all night so everyone could be outside as they pleased. All our guests were vaccinated so we felt comfortable having the dining in the Skyline Lounge just across the hall (masks worn when getting up from their table). Huge plus is the parking lot available for guests and close walk to the brown line station. Highly recommend!

Marie Tierney

I had my 2021 wedding at Dank Haus and would highly recommend it for any event! From first inquiry, Monica was incredibly helpful in answering questions and helping set up walkthroughs of the beautiful space. We ended up booking the Marunde Ballroom and Skyline Terrasse for our 120 person wedding but the spaces could accommodate both larger and smaller events. Dank Haus has great flexibility in vendors and we were able to purchase our own liquor which was served by incredible bartenders sourced by Dank Haus. In the weeks leading up to the event, Monica and Charlie let us get early access to the venue for setup and accepted deliveries for us. The day of the event, the provided tables and chairs were set exactly to our specification and Dank Haus staff were on site to ensure our wedding was perfect. While I am not including photos, the beautiful terrace with city views was a wonderful backdrop for photos and the sunset. I highly recommend the Dank Haus for all types of events but especially for Chicago couples looking for an affordable, flexible and beautiful venue

Vesna Jovanovic

They charge a fee for gallery opening receptions and panel discussions. I've attended a few hundred opening receptions in my lifetime and at least 20 panel discussions, in various parts of the United States, and have never encountered a venue that charges its visitors for these types of events. I understand charging for language classes, fundraising events, movies, wedding rentals, or galas, but charging for opening receptions and panels is inequitable and discriminatory, preventing poor people from participating in culture. This is the first time I've encountered it in my lifetime of frequenting galleries, non-profits, museums, and art centers. It is also a form of exploitation since the artists are not being paid, yet the institution is collecting cash for their labor. Quite ironic to see this kind of exploitation of women artists who are seeking exposure of their artwork in a show titled Power Frauen. Falling back on "no commission on sales of artwork" is a way to avoid paying artists—for exhibitions that generally don't sell much artwork, if any at all. If the Dank Haus cannot provide these types of events free of charge, it should not be hosting them.

Lauren Reynolds

DANK Haus was the perfect setting for my fall wedding!

We were looking for a venue that would allow us to bring in our own catering, which brought me into the DANK Haus in the first place. Having lived near Lincoln Square for a long time and passed by it so many times, I had no idea what a beautiful building it was inside! As the 7th wedding in my family this year, it was perfectly unique and was captivating and gorgeous.

Monica was such an enormous help. Having gotten married here herself, she had a wonderful perspective as to what works in the space. She was professional, friendly, and extremely accommodating of my mother, sister, and I coming in on more than one occasion to take pictures and be in the space. They allowed us in to decorate the Friday before, and the maintenance staff was very friendly and helpful.

I've gotten so many compliments on the space, and I'm so happy I got to celebrate my wedding day at the DANK Haus!

Jonathan G

Great place to hold a wedding I attended. Two floors are available, so while one phase is happening on one floor, the other floor can be set up for the next phase of the celebration: ceremony, reception line & bar, dinner, dancing. See the view from the patio at night.