I used to work in downtown Chicago. I walked passed the Chicago Cultural Center more times than I would care to admit without ever going inside. I blame this on the fact I thought it would cost me money and my laziness of not looking to check.
As we were walking around downtown, we had some time to kill before lunch. The Chicago Cultural Center has a bronze bull outside its front door. After taking a couple funny pictures, we decided to go inside. Suprise! It’s free and absolutely beautiful.
There are art displays, but mostly the architecture is what you should go for.
The staircases are bonkers. Up one stairway at the back of the building there is a large hall with a huge stained glass dome. Of course, there was some laying on the ground to capture the whole thing.
A courtyard has a super cool display made up of wooden ladders and walkways. It made me want to climb around.
Another really interesting exhibit was … I’m not sure how to describe it. Very architectural. It’s pictured. Anyways, it was metal in a hallway of windows, so the shadows and sunlight were really visually appealing.
The highlight for me was the main staircase into a hall. When you enter there is a large, white, imposing staircase with shades of green mosaics that sparkle in the sun. The balcony of the staircase looks out onto a busy Chicago view, but you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The hall has another impressive dome. The arches in the halls have names of philosophers, scientists, writers, and more historically important men. There are also two quotes about books in the mosaic walls along the stairway.
If you have a couple minutes to spare, stop in. It doesn’t take long to walk through, but you could spend a good deal of time taking it. I highly suggest, and I will be back!
Instagram: @chiculturcenter
78 E Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Looks amazing. I love old buildings like that. So interesting.
It was so cool!!! The pictures do not do it justice!