One of the city’s prize jewels, the Chicago Cultural Center is a century-old masterpiece.  This stunning Chicago landmark was built to show the world that the city was an established metropolis in 1897. Only the best architects and designers participated in making this lovely building with its trademark duo of stained-glass domes that draws thousands of visitors from all over the world.

The Chicago Cultural Center, though originally the city’s first public library, currently serves as host to a wide array of cultural events including recitals, art exhibits, movies, theater and dance events and  even lectures. The Center is open all year and hosts most of the city’s major cultural and artistic events. In its over one hundred years it has received the most famous guests and well-known artists and their works. But of course, the best art exhibit is the building itself, with its rare marbles, elegant hardwoods and fine polished brass. Plus, the two enormous stained glass domes, each over 38 feet in diameter and made from thousands of pieces of glass, will take your breath away. IT’s no wonder the building is affectionately referred to by many as “The People’s Palace”.

There’s always something to see, hear or do at the Chicago Cultural Center. From the latest art exhibits on the first floor at the Michigan Avenue Galleries or the Landmark Chicago Gallery, to a comedy or ballet recital at the Claudia Cassidy Theater on the second floor. And there’s no way to avoid stopping to admire the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial, sitting at the top of the winding marble staircase when entering the building from Randolph Street.

There are also several lecture rooms and conference halls that regularly feature seminars and other events of interest. And, if you want to make a special event like a wedding or graduation completely unforgettable, the Cultural Center has rooms available for private rentals.