A landmark building and the nation’s first free municipal cultural center, Chicago Cultural Center hosts music, dance and theater performances, films, lectures, art exhibits, and family events throughout the year. Completed in 1897, the building was designed in a generally neoclassical style with Italian Renaissance elements. The cultural center offers much to admire, including Roman arches, Cosmati walls, grand marble staircases, and a richly decorated Civil War memorial. Don’t miss Preston Bradley Hall, which features glass mosaics and the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world with approximately 30,000 glass pieces. Check online to see what events are running during your visit. The building also houses a visitor information center, which makes it a great first stop on your Chicago journey. Make your Chicago itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.
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Chicago Cultural Center reviews
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Chicago certainly has its share of outstanding building. This used to be the city’s public library and dates from the end of the 19th century. A gorgeous example of Beaux Arts architecture. You can... more »
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The Chicago Cultural Center was originally occupied by the main library in downtown Chicago. It is now a cultural center, offering a variety of programs and concerts, many free to the public. Don’t... more »
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It has very beautiful stained glass work and mosaics everywhere. The dome is magnificent. And it was fun trying to read all the different inscriptions in various languages. I managed to read the Hebrew, Latin, Spanish, and French pretty well. I figured out the German after a while. The Italian was harder for me, and I had no idea about the Greek, Egyptian, and Arabic. I pulled out only one Greek root word, and I at least recognized a letter or two in Arabic. Chinese and Egyptian, I knew nothing. Also lots of interesting little designs all around if you look for them. We had fun exploring. Great view of surrounding area from large upstairs windows. Other exhibits were closed when we went. The building was formerly the Chicago city library from the late 1800s. Very cool building.
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Unfortunately many of the rooms, exhibits were off limits because preparations for another exhibit and concert . Free admission. Be sure to speak to the person in information booth. She provided lots of info and also directed us to visit the dome in Macy's store. Beautiful mosaics and domes. The Proverbs on the walls 3rd floor and other mosaics. Interesting that the Center was at one time a library . A MUST to visit !
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