Louis Sullivan 'Jewel Box' Bank (Merchants' National Bank)

Built in 1914, this National Historic Landmark is one of Louis Sullivan's celebrated "jewel box" banks — a plain brick exterior that opens onto a dazzling interior of ornate terra-cotta, stained-glass skylights, and pink marble, making it one of the most surprising architectural interiors in the Midwest. It now houses the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, open free to the public Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.

The move: Step inside and let the jaw-dropping contrast between the humble brick street facade and the explosion of golden Sullivan ornament hit you; linger over the stained glass and original banking fixtures, then walk Grinnell's historic commercial district before grabbing coffee at a nearby downtown cafe — the whole stop takes about an hour and costs nothing.

📍 Grinnell
💸 $$
⚡ Up for anything
🌗 Indoors

Where: 833 4th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112

Hours: Mined 2026-06-07 — confirm current hours before you go.

#jewel-box bank #Louis Sullivan #ornamental facade #architecture

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Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

Verified 2026-06-07.