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Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago

4.6
#4 of 27 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. Using our custom trip planner, Chicago attractions like Chicago Cultural Center can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
2,378 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • Have been to 2 private events under the Tiffany dome. It is truly beautiful and the space is great for weddings or gala's. It is charming, antique feel and the staircase is fabulous for pictures. You ...  more »
  • This former library has two beautiful domes and some beautiful parlours with glass mosaic tiles. Very interesting history of the building.  more »
  • Two Tiffany skylights are beautiful. The inside of the building is gorgeous. There are art galleries and activities for the entire family. Many senior activities. Friendly staff.  more »
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Google
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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Where to stay in Chicago

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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4 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM MEXICO November, culture, relaxing, historic sites, museums, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: November, culture, relaxing, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 3 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM NORWAY October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 19 days in United States BY A USER FROM ITALY September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 7 days in Chicago & Missouri BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, outdoors, historic sites, museums, slow & easy, popular PREFERENCES: September, outdoors, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Slow & easy 30 days in United States & Vancouver BY A USER FROM SPAIN September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 3 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums, shopping, slow & easy, popular PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Slow & easy 3 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 3 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 2 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 2 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 43 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM SWEDEN September, teens, kids, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, teens, kids, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 2 days in Chicago BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES December, kids, popular PREFERENCES: December, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium
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