Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center is a sightseeing stop in Chicago, IL, part of the Chicago guide. Cost: free.

78 E Washington St · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Opened in 1897 as Chicago's central public library, this Neoclassical landmark across from Millennium Park is run by the city as a free cultural center. In Preston Bradley Hall you stand beneath a Tiffany stained-glass dome of about 30,000 pieces, surrounded by white Carrara marble and mosaics of glass, gold leaf and mother of pearl. Its galleries show contemporary art, and the building hosts concerts, films, workshops and free tours.

#tiffany dome
#architecture
#free art exhibits
#the loop
#concerts

What's around here?

The closest stops to Chicago Cultural Center, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sport & Outdoor
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Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (The Bean)
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Snap your reflection in The Bean, splash at Crown Fountain, and catch free concerts downtown.
Steps awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor
Theatre & Events
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The Chicago Theatre
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The marquee that means Chicago, catch a show or tour the gilded 1921 movie palace.
Steps awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events
Tours
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise
$50+
Expert docents narrate the skyline's greatest hits on the beloved river cruise aboard First Lady.
0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours
Sightseeing
Local Gem
Chicago Riverwalk
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A 1.25-mile waterfront promenade of patios, wine bars, and skyline views along the Chicago River.
0.3 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
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Buckingham Fountain
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Grant Park's grand 1927 fountain fires its center jet skyward every hour, with music-and-lights shows after dusk.
0.6 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
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Chicago Water Tower
Free
See the castle-like limestone tower that survived the 1871 fire, now a small city art gallery.
0.9 mi awayMore like this