Categories: Family-Friendly

Chicago Cultural Center

Author: Molly Ryan

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 been providing an artistic outlet for all of Chicago ever since. Furthermore, the mayor of Chicago uses the Chicago Cultural Center as a reception hall for all of his privileged and honorable guests such as royalty and other political figures.

Architecture
The architecture of the Chicago Cultural Center is highly influenced by classic Greco and Roman styles. Some interesting points on the building include the Doric columns and coffered ceiling at the Randolph Street entrance, 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 consisting of a 38-foot diameter.

Cultural Center Exhibits

• 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 attractions in Chicago. The free tours offered a few times per week allow everyone visiting Chicago to take in renowned paintings, sculptures, photographs, and architecture.

• 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 audience. Theater is another popular venue 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. Occasionally lectures and discussions are held with esteemed playwrights, directors, and casts that are free to the public. The free music concerts are the crowned jewel of the Chicago Cultural Center. Multiple times a week, musical geniuses from all genres crowd to the center to play their hearts out. The LunchBreak series of musicians playing every Monday through Friday at 12:15 is especially popular with the 9 to 5 crowd.

General Information
Many Chicagoans choose to hold private events such as weddings, meetings, and banquets in the majestic ballrooms of the cultural center. The Randolph Café is a fantastic break spot serving drinks, snacks, and light lunches alongside the tunes of relaxing jazz, pop, and blues musicians.

 

Check out places of interest near Chicago Cultural Center:

Elephant & Castle
185 North Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60601

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

Shikago
190 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60603

The cuisines of Asia come together at this very good call of a restaurant in the Loop.

 

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

 

Macy's
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Part of Water Tower Place, this is a second downtown location of this famed department store.

Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.

Buddy Guy's Legends
754 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

World-renowned and local Chicago blues artists are the draw at this club owned by blues legend, Buddy Guy, as is the soul-ful Cajun food and major music paraphenalia also on display here.

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

 

Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60602

The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a 88 different tours in total. You can explore the city by bus, boat, bike on foot or even via a segway.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609

Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".

 

Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.

Spertus Museum
610 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

At Chicago's Spertus Museum, expect to see a permanent collection of Judaica, a hands-on archaeology exhibit for children, and temporary and raveling exhibitions.

The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Highway 53, Lisle, IL 60532

A top Chicago nature site, The Morton Arboretum boasts more than 3,000 trees, shrubs, and other vegetation across its 1,700-acre site.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.

 

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609

Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".