A Hidden Gem - Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center (formerly the main Chicago Public Library and G.A.R. Memorial) is truly a “hidden gem” in the heart of downtown Chicago, on Michigan between Randolph and Washington streets. If you haven’t explored it, here’s just a bit of what you’re missing:
• A plethora of free programs every month including art exhibits, concerts, theater and dance performances, lectures, cooking classes and demos, building tours, and family events.
• Though the building appears plain and austere from the outside, this landmark building is home to the largest Tiffany dome ceiling in the world. Fresh from an award-winning restoration completed in June 2008, the dome is even more spectacular and awe-inspiring than ever. But this is merely the largest jewel in the Cultural Center’s crown.
• Amazing Art Deco features to be found throughout this landmark building. As you mount the staircase to the Tiffany dome, you will be immersed in the fabulous mosaic tile detail. Perhaps it will remind you of the entrance to a palace. That is intentional. In fact, it was modeled after the entrance to the Palace of Versailles.
• The Chicago Cultural Center is also home to one of the city’s largest Visitor Information centers. They’ve got maps, booklets, and brochures galore! The center is always staffed with City of Chicago employees and volunteers ready to answer questions about what to see and do in Chicago – and how to get there.
There’s so much more to tell about this “hidden gem” than I can cover in this brief post. You absolutely MUST explore it on your own! You can start with a virtual visit to their website www.chicagoculturalcenter.org.
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
• A plethora of free programs every month including art exhibits, concerts, theater and dance performances, lectures, cooking classes and demos, building tours, and family events.
• Though the building appears plain and austere from the outside, this landmark building is home to the largest Tiffany dome ceiling in the world. Fresh from an award-winning restoration completed in June 2008, the dome is even more spectacular and awe-inspiring than ever. But this is merely the largest jewel in the Cultural Center’s crown.
• Amazing Art Deco features to be found throughout this landmark building. As you mount the staircase to the Tiffany dome, you will be immersed in the fabulous mosaic tile detail. Perhaps it will remind you of the entrance to a palace. That is intentional. In fact, it was modeled after the entrance to the Palace of Versailles.
• The Chicago Cultural Center is also home to one of the city’s largest Visitor Information centers. They’ve got maps, booklets, and brochures galore! The center is always staffed with City of Chicago employees and volunteers ready to answer questions about what to see and do in Chicago – and how to get there.
There’s so much more to tell about this “hidden gem” than I can cover in this brief post. You absolutely MUST explore it on your own! You can start with a virtual visit to their website www.chicagoculturalcenter.org.
1 person following
this discussion
this discussion
- Follow
0 Comments
Add a comment
