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Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago

4.6
#4 of 28 in Museums in Chicago
Architectural Building Art Gallery
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 Tours
Chicago Walking Tour: Interior Architecture of the Loop and Pedway Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $26
Chicago Walking Tour: Tiffany Treasures BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $30
Chicago Loop Walking Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $30
Private Guided SUV Tour for up to 4 Guests BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $650
Cultural Mile Walking Tour of Chicago BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $30
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Chicago Cultural Center Reviews
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2,441 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • October 4, 2017
    This is a beautiful place. We always stop in when we're in Chicago just to walk around and gaze at the amazing historic building. There are always a few free art exhibits. This time the entire buildin...  more »
  • October 4, 2017
    I never knew about The Chicago Cultural Center when I lived in Chicago but was taken there when I went on a walking tour of the city. Free admission. And, of course, the Louis Comfort Tiffany glass do...  more »
  • October 3, 2017
    I recently visited the Cultural Center. Its easy to be neglected as a tourist spot, but I would say spare 10 minutes of your time to peep in, you will thank me. The dome inside is made of Tiffany stai...  more »
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Google
  • June 15, 2017
    Completed in 1897, half of the building is the old Chicago Public Library (now cultural center and offices) - the other half is a former headquarters of the Grand Army of the Republic (now cultural center and offices). Both have impressive stained glass domes (the Library side is the largest Tiffany Stained Glass Dome in the world!) and stunning marble and mosaic tile throughout. Everything here is free, and open to the public. This is truly a must see for anyone in Chicago.
  • June 15, 2017
    Beautiful architecture inside this former public library with several large domes (go up a couple floors). There are often events in here that are free to the public. A good place to people watch from. Additionally, there are public bathrooms that are free!
  • June 14, 2017
    Explore Chicago's rich cultural heritage in this 3 floor, historic building featuring 2 beautiful glass domes and amazing rotating art exhibits. Free admission and close proximity to all things Chicago makes this an easy 'yes!' when looking for something to do.
  • June 27, 2017
    Up stairs will be where a concert. Walk around. Posted pictures on the walls. A place to sit at downstairs where you can eat or talk while you are ditting there. There is a bookstore. There's a restroom there.
  • June 14, 2017
    Slept on Chicago gem. So many different galleries and room to explore. Collections and exhibits change often. Original location of downtown library, stunning building. Essential to visit
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The Midwest's major center for business conventions, Chicago boasts many affordable places to stay, with most hotels located around the airport and the city's central business district. To discover the city from a comfortable base within walking distance of most tourist attractions, aim for one of the big chain hotels in the downtown area. If you're traveling on a limited budget and wish to get a deeper sense of Chicago's many diverse neighborhoods, consider staying away from the pricey city center and explore suburbs on a commuter train line for easy city access.
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