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Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago

(2,200+ reviews on the web)
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
  • My wife and I were in Chicago to visit our son. We walked by the Chicago Cultural Center, and decided, on a whim, to go inside. Our jaws dropped looking at the beautiful mosaics. I explored, walking u...  more »
  • Wondering what to do with a few extra hours and not wanting to spend money I checked this place out. While obviously a historic building it's quite unsuspecting. And with the streets being so busy on ...  more »
  • Tucked into this building (which I learned is the former public library building) just before it closed. I asked what would be worthy to see in the 10 minutes I had ...the rotunda. Amazing tile work a...  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.
  • Business meeting/training in this location the room was gorgeous! It was a catered event everything was great. Multiple variety for drinks and food. The only thing missing was coffee had to leave the building to find coffee. Needing to arrive before 9am, didn't want to risk being late so I didn't stop beforehand. Parked in garage right across the street early bird special for 16.00.
  • 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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