"An elegant building from a more civilized age". In all seriousness, one of the most gorgeous buildings I have ever had the privilege to walk the halls and staircases of. I came for an architecture exhibition and stayed for the actual architecture. A hidden, carefully faceted gem in the heart of the city. A building that makes the beauty of the exhibits within pale in comparison. And completely free, at that. If you appreciate detailed monumental architecture, put this building on your bucket list.

WHY VISIT CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTRE : 1) This building has the World's Largest Tiffany stained glass dome. There are two domes inside the building .Both are gorgeous 😍 2) The building is free to visit 3) Saturday 1.30 pm the centre gives a free tour of the building 4) The building is right across the street from Millennium park bean. 5) The building was originally a public library and also had a wing for union veterans. But now this majestic building is open to all Chicago cultural centre.

Their cultural center is free, so if you have time or need to duck out of the rain, it’s a fine place to stop. The building detail is spectacular. There isn’t much to see, but they do have two art galleries you can walk through. Elevators are available.

Very cool historical landmark with couple of beautiful glass domes. It used to be the public library. And you can take a tour led by local volunteers to learn more about its history. There is not a whole lot to do or see, but I must say that it's still well worth the visit, even if you don't want to take the tour. So if you're in the area, do come here and take a look. I promise you won't regret it.

The architecture of this place is incredible. It never stops amazing me. A great quiet place to chill and study/read. I love coming here for pictures. Occasionally they will have expos happening in the different levels. Definitely a must when you visit Chicago!

Free to enter, but priceless architectural sights to behold. Definitely worth a visit to explore the different parts of the Chicago Cultural Center. Interesting exhibits galore throughout the space not to be missed. Beautiful interior with lots of picture worthy angles. Highly recommend during your stay in Chicago.

The building has 2 main entrances. You can get lost inside but the staff is everywhere to help you. The Chicago fire exhibition was a powerful and intense experience. There is so much history and story in just those pictures. There was also another exhibition (Colescott) that I truly enjoyed although I must say I never heard about the artist before. Full of life, vivid colours and a lot of history too that tell much of his life. Sharing some pics but they do not do justice

What a cool and unusual place! I came here with my group, not knowing much about it, but thinking it was a historical center focused on the birth and life of Chicago. Boy was I wrong! This place was more like a living art exhibit where you walk through and become part of the art. Absolutely GORGEOUS architecture and exquisite interior details, showcasing both modern and experimental art, this place is so unique and interesting, I was flabbergasted that it is FREE. The staff were very friendly and chatty also, and most seemed very inspired by their surroundings. There's no excuse not to visit if you've never been!

A cool place to visit if you have time! The architecture is so pretty with lots of glass mosaics mended on the walls and stairs. The glass dome ceiling is gorgeous too! Not too much to do there but it is super pretty and a good stop to get out of the heat.

Amazing! Must go see Chicago Cultural Center the photos do no justice. Should see for yourself. The vibe is felt, an honor of excellence is felt, proud to be from Chicago! Herstory is here, community involvement, talent and creative spaces, art dating many many many years before. Extraordinary bliss and free to see. Friendly staff, plenty exhibits and culture. Visit, support and be involved in our culture, art and Chicago. 💯❣️🤗

It was a public library. There's free culture center building tour led by passionate volunteer or staff every Thursday & Friday 1:15 pm year round. You could rent this place for events or wedding venue. It's beautiful and has 100 years history, there's brochure near the entrance.

This is a must see place when you are in Chicago. Actually I will say you need to visit Chicago for this beautiful building! The intricate work all over the building is mind blowing! Beautiful architecture and art is in every corner of the building. First floor painting exhibit is beautiful too!!

The Chicago Cultural Center is a captivating haven of culture. The architectural splendor is matched by its diverse exhibits, creating an enriching experience. The fact that admission is free only enhances its allure. A definite must-visit for cultural enthusiasts!

Did you know there are 2 domes to check out? One is on the backend (towards Randolph street) on the second floor and another one the bigger one is on the 3rd floor from the Washington entrance. The shop on the 1st floor is a smorgasbord or fun, cute and artsy artifacts, do not miss!

Beautiful place to stop by and have a nice peaceful adventure. The architecture of the Tiffany dome is enchanting and the art exhibits in the 1st floor were touching and beautiful. 10/10 experience and I highly recommend. It's free to go as well.

This used to be Chicago's library building but it was converted to an arts and cultural center in 1978. It is also the first free municipal cultural center in USA. It is also used by the Chicago mayer for the reception of world leaders and other high-ranked guests. It's free to enter and it's worth it.

One of the most amazing buildings I have ever had the privilege to view. I walked in to see what might be on display and a chance to sit and rest my feet. I was rewarded with a hidden, carefully faceted gem in the heart of the city, and completely free, at that. If you appreciate detailed monumental architecture, put this building on your bucket list, pictures do not do it justice.

Cool architecture, the Tiffany dome, interior stairs and mosaics are compelling. The exhibits going on right now are limited and what is on offer is pretty lackluster compared to the surroundings.

After 12million restoration for two years the center reopen since April. I attended free tour at Thursday 1:15 pm, knew more about the history and architecture. two doms look so colorful now.

It's free! If you have even the slightest interest in architecture or beautiful buildings it's worth popping in and exploring. Absolutely beautiful

Stunning building great architectural features both inside and outside. Don't miss this place if visiting Chicago.

Absolutely a must see spot within walking distance from everything. We started at the top and worked our way through the different exhibits. My favorite was actually a panoramic picture taken after the Great Chicago Fire From October, 1871. The other stuff is cool too, but the gravity of that fire can be felt throughout the picture.

Went to the Chicago Cultural Center for an elopement and stuck around to admire all of the beauty. Home to the biggest Tiffany Dome, the Chicago Cultural Center is a gorgeous building from top to bottom. You don't need to attend an elopement to enjoy the building; just wanting to admire the dome is good enough of reason to go. There are always free public events going on and if you check their site so you can catch something really cool. The Chicago Cultural Center is also along a Pedway route. Not only can you go from the parking lot and to the building, but you can also have an underground pedestrian route to other buildings in the area. All you need to do is find an elevator and go underground. I didn't drive there so I'm not sure what the parking rates are, but I'm sure there's a usual downtown rate. Expect to have like $15-25 aside to cover any parking fees.

This building is amazing!!! Had quite a few interesting exhibitions in, but justing walking in can get your mood up!

This place used to be a public library. The building has some art exhibits, along with some rotating exhibits like the architecture one. However, there’s not much exhibits to see. I recommend this attraction to first-time visitors and people who want to visit a museum, but time-strapped.

Beautiful building and a must see for anyone visiting Chicago for the first time! The Tiffany Glass dome is a must see!

Beautiful venue and office area. If you are into stone and architecture this is the place to go and spend some moments

The building. The tile work. The detail in the staircases, ceilings and rotunda... Stunning! The History of Comics display was both impressive and thorough, especially for a free exhibit. Had I paid a $20 entry fee, it would still be a 5/5 experience for me.

A great place with great architecture. And it's free entry!

Got a bunch of culcha. Seriously the display on 9/21/21 was comics of the turn of the century. Kinder Kids were displayed as well as original Popeye and many others I've never heard of. The entire building is wonder as it was the original Chicago Public Library until 1991 when the new one at Van Buren was completed. Bathed in opulence and precision craftsmanship, I remember using it in the mid 1960's for it's intended purpose.

This place is amazing! A great location too! Definitely a destination stop when visiting Chicago Downtown!

Loved the comic gallery! The person who made an intelligent observation about the years written in the panels, if you're reading this, I'd like to connect with you! I regret not asking you to join us on the walk, or knowing more about you. I apologize to others for this less informative part of the review, but since we talked about revisiting, maps is my best hope to find this person who I think would be a great friend. The rest of the review: The League of the Nations gallery was a little abstract for me. One set of tiles says Benjamin Franklin invented the circulating library, and I found slightly different info on wiki but liked library related quotes. Learnt from the writeup of dome design. It's free to visit, and such a nice quiet space, which is great for dropping by if you're in downtown!

A gem in the loop. Idk what I was expecting when we walked in but this place is amazing. The exhibits were small but impactful. We loved the Robert Colescott exhibit. It was my first time seeing a black woman portrayed in a liechtenstein esqe painting. No words for the Tiffany ceiling. I can’t wait to go back with a book & just read. Buddy’s was closed when we went so definitely have to go back for that too.

Amazing hidden gem! Gorgeous architecture and meaningful exhibits. Definitely a must see for individuals interested in architecture and justice.

This building features two of the greatest interiors you’re going to find anywhere. Constructed in the 1890s as a multipurpose building it was both Chicago’s main library and a memorial for the “Grand Army of the Republic” which were the Union Civil War veterans. The library features stain glass by the Tiffany Company. The GAR room feature stain glass by Millet and Healy. Both are magnificent and both have been recently restored allowing natural light to flow through the two stained glass domes. The cultural center is free to enter. Do not miss this when you visit Chicago.

This was a fun, free place to explore with my toddler. The architectural detail is brilliant. I’m glad we didn’t bring a stroller. We climbed all the stairs and stopped at each level to take in the views.

It is a very nice place with some amazing architectural pieces and historical features that you should visit.

This venue is worth visiting. The architecture of this 1897 building is stunning. Take the time to sit down in the big halls. Just looking around you. You'll see more and more great things. The former library hosts many exhibitions, galleries. unfourtunatelt on sunday we weren't able to visit them. They were closed. Even on a sunday, thoug, take the "detour" and include the Chicago Cultural Center in your itinery. Oh.. it's free :)

This place is awesome. There is a free tour on Thursday and Friday. The guide was very knowledgeable, engaging and shared a stories that brought the building and history to life.

From outside this cultural center looks pretty much ordinary, just like any other neoclassic bldg. However, when you enter you're blown away with stunning interiors with mosaics, chandeliers and the most amazing Tiffany glass dome, along with several exhibits. I was greatly surprised it is free to visit.

My necessary to visit! As the first free municipal cultural center in the country, the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city's top attractions in my opinion, and is considered one of the most comprehensive art exhibitions in the United States. The center offers many programs and exhibitions covering a wide range of performing, visual and literary arts. The architecture inside is amazing. Entrance with Doric columns, mahogany doors and entrance hall with coffered ceilings and green marble walls. The curved stairs are decorated with mosaics and large glass and stained glass domes in the ceiling! Unforgettable impressions!

Amazing gem in the city. They have exhibits for art display, huge halls for hosting events, learning lab and dance studios. I randomly came upon this building and just wanted to check it out and I was captivated. Would highly recommend for first time visitors, nice and relaxing to step into this among a busy street such as Michigan Ave.

Love this place! I feel so welcomed when I walked inside. The man at the information was knowledgeable and willing to help answer any questions I had. I wish there were more places like this in Chicago.

This place is absolutely stunning, I immensely loved the architecture, there are two beautiful domes that are jaw droppers for me. There's art in every corner of this building. I am happy I didn't skip the visit to this place ✨️ it opens at 10 am and closes at 5 pm and there are interesting exhibitions too.