Chicago Cultural Center: Art, Architecture, and Tiffany Glass

While it may not be the most well-known attraction in Windy City, the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the most gorgeous and intriguing spots in town. The unique architecture, history, and beauty of the spot make for some memories and brilliant photos while the cultural events may make your visit a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When I was a tour guide in the city, I always ended my architecture tours here because of the great location and the sheer beauty of the historic building. Be sure to include this stunning spot on your Chicago itinerary, no matter the weather.

Architecture and history

Completed in 1897, the first central public library building of Chicago left its visitors then — and today — in awe. The building came into being thanks to top architects in the country fulfilling the vision for a stunning, stately library that could welcome dignitaries and beauty seekers the world over.

The gorgeous building contains two large domes, imported marbled, polished brass, incredible hardwood carvings, and mosaics of Favrile glass, mother-of-pearl, and colored stones.

The building remained the central library of Chicago for over 100 years but was finally established as the Chicago Cultural Center in 1991 as the country’s first and most comprehensive free municipal cultural venue.

The building has earned itself the nickname of the People’s Palace thanks to these incredible features and its accessibility to anyone who wants to visit.

What to see at the Chicago Cultural Center

Every time I visit the Chicago Cultural Center, I find myself awe-struck by the sheer beauty of the building. Roaming the hallways, climbing the stairs, taking in the beauty of the current exhibits: they all bring me back over and over to explore.

If you love history and architecture, I highly recommend taking the tour the center offers as they can give you great details about the doric columns, mahogany doors, coffered ceilings, green-veined Vermont marble, and more.

The world’s largest Tiffany glass dome

The most incredible and famous feature of the center is the massive Tiffany glass dome. The dome is the largest of its kind in the world, constructed of about 50,000 pieces of glass in an intricate Renaissance pattern designed by Healy & Millet.

The translucent Favrile glass was cut into the shape of fish scales, with the top of the dome showing off the signs of the zodiac. At the base, you’ll spot a quotation from Joseph Addison, a British author.

The world-famous Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company of New York were behind the crafting of the dome, the wall sconces, chandeliers, and the lighting fixtures of the People’s Palace.

Free tours offered by the Cultural Center

Every Thursday and Friday, all year, the cultural center offers free guided walking tours of the building, lasting between 45 and 60 minutes. Be sure to show up early, as the tours are first-come, first-serve and tend to be popular.

Meet in the welcome center of the building on the first floor, at the north end of the building. The tours start at 1:15 p.m., but you can sign up as soon as the doors open and come back at your allotted time.

A scenic walk through Chicago’s iconic architecture

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Other art and beauty

While I have been known to just sit beneath either dome for hours on end reading and daydreaming, looking upward often, I also love the many other features of the palace-like building.

As you make your way through the building, you’ll notice that the opposite ends (north and south) demonstrate a sort of mirror pattern in the stairwells. The two sides bear different color schemes, with one side more vivid than the other.

You’ll notice gorgeous marble pillars and staircases throughout, as well as unique artistic motifs along the way. Murals are on display throughout the building as well, plus rotating exhibits in the upper stories of the building featuring either local artistry or specialized seasonal or touring exhibits suited to the center’s current theme.

Cultural events at the Chicago Cultural Center

The best way to visit the cultural center is to attend a cultural event before or after exploration of the building. My first time there was during the Lunar New Year celebration. Amazing cultural performers from all over China and Chinese American communities came to share their unique perspectives of the new year and celebrations of their cultures.

If you do attend cultural events, be sure to show up early. Seating is usually full early on. Whenever I’ve dropped in, I’ve wound up standing towards the back. Trust me, it’s worth your early arrival!

Check their calendar to find out what’s on while you’re in town. The world-class performances, exhibits, and special events won’t disappoint!

Location and how to get there

The Chicago Cultural Center is pretty easy to find. Apart from the visual cues of the magnificent domes, the cultural center rests on the corner of East Randolph Drive and Michigan Avenue on the north end and East Washington Street and Michigan Avenue on the south.

You can grab an Uber and get dropped off right at the entry point of your choice on Randolph or Washington (they can’t pull over on Michigan Avenue).

My preferred method, though, is taking the Red Line from the north or south and getting off at the Lake stop. Walk south on State Street for half a block, then turn east (left) onto Randolph and walk two blocks. The cultural center is on your right.

You can take the bus, as well, depending on your starting point. You’ll want a bus that goes along Michigan Avenue. Check the local times or transit app to make sure you get the best one for the time you’re traveling.If you prefer to drive, your best bet is parking underground at the Millennium Park Garage. Rates vary but tend to be expensive, especially if you don’t purchase your pass ahead of time.

Entry to Chicago’s underground

After you explore the cultural center, you can take the elevator down to the basement where you can enter the Chicago underground.

The underground is a whole mini world filled with shopping, dining, and transit (METRA trains). Down there, you’ll find additional fascinating architecture, including some more Tiffany stained-glass displays along the tunnel walls as you approach Macy’s. Head up to Macy’s and you’ll also find another massive Tiffany ceiling, visible from the ground floor. Ask an associate for help locating it if you can’t spot it on your own.

Enjoy Chicago, the city of public art and beauty

Keep an eye out for the many other gorgeously crafted buildings and the public art in the city. Chicago is full of Tiffany stained glass, art deco buildings, outdoor murals (like the incredible Chagall Four Seasons mural), the Picasso sculpture at the Daley Plaza, and more.

The best way to enjoy these sites is with a well-versed tour guide who can give you the history of buildings and artists and lead the way to the installations. Hit up our architecture tour for the most intriguing tour along the nearby Riverwalk.