See the breathtaking architecture of the Chicago Cultural Center

Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists are drawn to the Chicago Cultural Center by its beauty and fantastic free public activities, making it one of Chicago's most frequented attractions. The breathtaking landmark structure has two exquisite stained-glass domes, as well as free music, dance, and theater performances, films, seminars, art exhibitions, and family activities.

The structure, completed in 1897 as Chicago's first central public library, was built to dazzle and demonstrate that the city had matured into a sophisticated metropolis. To create an architectural showpiece, the country's greatest architects and artisans employed the most opulent materials, including rare imported marbles, polished brass, beautiful hardwoods, and mosaics of Favrile glass, mother-of-pearl, and colored stone. The world's biggest stained glass Tiffany dome, 38 feet in diameter and containing around 30,000 pieces of glass, was restored to its full brilliance in 2008. The building's north side has a 40-foot-diameter dome with 50,000 pieces of glass in an ornate Renaissance pattern created by Healy & Millet.

In 1991, the building was established as the Chicago Cultural Center by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the nation's first and most comprehensive free municipal cultural venue. Every year, the Chicago Cultural Center presents hundreds of free international, national, regional and local artists, musicians and performers, providing a showcase where the public can enjoy and learn about the arts. Come for the beauty, stay for the events.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 312-744-5000

Address: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States

Website: http://www.chicagoculturalcenter.org/