The Chicago Cultural Center is a city landmark for exquisite art, architecture, music, theater, and history.

The most prominent elements of the Chicago Cultural Center are the two famous glass domes (including the world’s largest Tiffany dome) that rest atop this “People’s Palace."

Free art exhibits, renowned performers, and glorious architecture draw a range of people to the Chicago Cultural Center.

Chicago Cultural Center History

The Chicago Cultural Center was originally constructed as the first Chicago Public Library in 1897 by the firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge. In erecting this monumental building, millions of dollars were spent importing the finest marble, wood, brass, glass and mother of pearl in the world.

Later in 1991, this neoclassical building became the United States’ first free municipal cultural center and has provided an artistic outlet for Chicago attractions ever since. Furthermore, the mayor of Chicago uses the Chicago Cultural Center as a reception hall for guests such as royalty and other political figures.

Chicago Cultural Center - Architecture

The architecture of the Chicago Cultural Center is highly influenced by classic Greco-Roman style. Some interesting points on the building include the Doric columns and coffered ceiling at the Randolph Street entrance.

Also notable is the grand staircase and mosaics displayed inside the Washington Street entrance, and of course the stained glass, yellow-tinted dome and the world’s largest Tiffany dome, which boasts a 38-foot diameter.

Chicago Cultural Center - Visual Art

Throughout the year, the Chicago Cultural Center brings in a continuous stream of the most innovative and celebrated art exhibits in the world.

Visitors are often impressed with the accessibility to all of the art exhibits, making the center one of the most visited Chicago attractions. The free tours offered a few times per week allow everyone visiting to take in renowned paintings, sculptures, photographs, and architecture.

Chicago Cultural Center - Performing Arts

The Chicago Cultural Center holds two theaters, two concert halls, a cabaret, and a dance studio. For ladies and lords of the dance, the center hosts professional dance performances, lectures, lessons, and rehearsal space (for 12 weeks) for free. At least once a week, new mind- and body-bending dancers take the stage to captivate their audiences.

Theater is also popular at the center. Small and midsize theater companies take the stage with their original work and keep ticket prices low so all of society can enjoy their art.

The Cultural Center also hosts lectures and discussions with esteemed playwrights, directors, and casts that are free to the public. There are also regular (and also free) music concerts at the Center. The LunchBreak musical series that takes place every Monday through Friday at 12:15 is especially popular with the 9 to 5 crowd.

Chicago Cultural Center - Shopping

For a memento of your visit to Chicago, you can check out The Shop at the Cultural Center, where you'll find cards, t-shirts, jewelry, and more. If you're interested in purchasing art, see Project Onward, a studio and gallery specializing in art by artists with special needs.

Chicago Cultural Center - Dining

The Randolph Café is a fantastic break spot serving drinks, snacks, and light lunches to the tunes of relaxing jazz, pop, and blues musicians.

Chicago Cultural Center - Private Events

Many Chicagoans choose to hold private events such as weddings, meetings, and banquets in the majestic ballrooms of the cultural center.