Founded in 1956, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts fosters the development and exchange of diverse and challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture, and society. The Graham realizes this vision through making project-based grants to individuals and organizations around the world and producing exhibitions and events at the Madlener House in Chicago.

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For nearly 70 years the Graham Foundation has supported thought-provoking investigations in architecture, architectural history, theory, criticism, design, landscape architecture, urban studies, visual arts, and related fields. The Foundation’s grants support publications, exhibitions, films, new media initiatives, and other programs that claim new ground in architectural discourse and create public forums for innovative and challenging ideas.

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Since 1963, the Foundation has been located in the historic Madlener House, a Prairie-style mansion, designed in 1901–02 by Richard E. Schmidt and Hugh M. G. Garden, and later renovated by modern architect Daniel Brenner. Originally built as a private residence, the landmark building now houses galleries, an architectural bookshop, a collection of architectural fragments, a library of grantee publications, and a ballroom, where public programs are hosted. Here, the Foundation produces exhibitions, lectures, performances, and other programs featuring international architects, artists, and designers exploring experimental approaches to architecture and the designed environment.  Architects and artists such as Tatiana Bilbao, Torkwase Dyson, Brendan Fernandes, David Hartt, Nancy Holt, Barbara Kasten, Judy Ledgerwood, Sergio Prego, Michael Rakowitz, Cally Spooner, Martine Syms, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, and Stanley Tigerman, among others, have presented work in the exhibition program.