Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Cultural Center
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
About
The Chicago Cultural Center is the nation's first free municipal cultural center and one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The stunning landmark building, opened in 1897 as the city's first public library, is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, and annually presents hundreds of free cultural exhibits and performances. Admission is free.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown / The Loop
Often visitors' first stop in Chicago, The Loop is a good starting point to sample the city's energy and flavor. This central business district boasts Michelin-rated restaurants, upscale hotels, premier shopping, and enough arresting architecture to keep your camera busy for hours. You won’t find too many photo galleries of downtown Chicago without a shot of Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. A stunning skyline coupled with cultural attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago present a Downtown where work and play peacefully coexist.
How to get there
- Randolph/Wabash • 2 min walk
- Lake • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3 200 within 5 kms
Attractions
1 024 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Stephanie M39 contributionsFree Things to DoWe stopped here unplanned. It is a nice, free place to explore. A lot of the art exhibits were closed, but they did have a vending machine that sold local artists creations (pins, keychains, etc.) Even with the closed art exhibits, there is a lot to see and read.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 October 2023
- kleicSan Antonio, Texas1,094 contributionsHiding in Plain Sight!This place is astonishing and yet many people who live in Chicago and almost everyone who visits Chicago doesn't know about it! It sits right off Michigan Avenue so it's easy to visit when you're at the Art Institute or the Bean so go, go, go! The two glass domes and the mosaics transport you to a different time and place. Next time I'm in Chicago I'm going to carve out several hours on a weekday to visit this gem!Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 November 2023
- J h76 contributionsInterestingBeautiful building . Take a walk up the stair case to view at all the exquisite elements of the interior design. Be careful if you are sensitive to smells right now. There is an art installation of some type of plastic/ rubbery covered hoses that his covered some of the beauty of the staircase. There is an out-gassing which stinks. I feel sorry for the staff and concerned for their health. You may need to check to learn if this has been removed.Visited November 2023Written 15 November 2023
- DavidO99Azle, Texas70 contributionsBeautiful architecture inside, pop in for a 10 minute visitThe Chicago Cultural Center is a beautiful building. The architecture was amazing. Go in and check out the lobby area, look up and around. Then go up the stairs and check out the rooms and area up there. It does not take long, but is free and totally worth popping in for 10 minutes.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 March 2024
- MojoLad302 contributionsA splendid way to spend an hour or two in ChicagoWe went here just to check out the famed Tiffany Dome, but as there was a free docent-led tour starting, decided to take in the whole experience. It was wonderful! And free! The building itself is something else, with jaw-droppingly beautiful mosaics throughout, recently cleaned and now in their full original glory, and of course the Dome, which just in itself is worthy of a visit. There's also a cool little (unafiiated) gift shop with very interesting art & souvenirs for sale entirely created by local Chicago artists. Strongly recommended.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 April 2024
- Erin KSan Rafael, California165 contributionsDelightful Free Tour!While wandering around one Saturday morning, I stumbled upon this intriguing building. Inside, Alan was preparing to lead a free walking tour - “I’m in!” I said. What followed was a wonderful walk through the downtown area during which Alan pointed out numerous works of public art and architecture- what a delight! Alan, a retired schoolteacher who loves to tell stories and provide interesting facts, also showed us a couple of secret passageways and back entrances that were eye-opening. It’s a small group (6 people max) and Alan accepts no tips. He ends the tour with his business card which includes a link to more photos and information about the tour as well as a list of his favorite eats. Well worth your time!Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 30 June 2024
- joaniemariaEldridge, Iowa5,263 contributionsTiffany dome, cool architectureWe came to see the Tiffany dome and the cool architecture of the building. It was once the Chicago Public Library. It is quite large inside. You could easily spend an hour or more there. It is not far from Millennium Park. It also has very clean restrooms! There was an art display while we were there on the 4th floor. Best of all it is free. It is a neat, free attraction downtown.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 July 2024
- xcschlrMilwaukee, Wisconsin925 contributionsBeautiful interiorWe had some time between two scheduled activities nearby and took that opportunity to see this place. There weren’t many people, so we took our time to appreciate the interior of the building without fighting crowds. It’s worth a visit if you happen to be near it.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 August 2024
- Diane ElamColumbia, Missouri292 contributionsA Free Attraction With Incredible ArchitectureWhen I was researching my trip to Chicago, the cultural center came up and the pictures of the stained glass was enough for me to add to my must see list. It is located downtown and is close to other famous Chicago landmarks such as The Bean and The Art Institute. The pictures do not do this place justice. While I was able to take in the gorgeous stain glass domes, there is so much more to look at and a lot of local history to take in.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 29 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3 078 reviews
Excellent
2 083
Very good
812
Average
148
Poor
26
Terrible
9
Keenomanjaro
Croydon, UK179 contributions
Aug 2019
Another of Chicago's 'must-see' buildings, this impressive institution boasts a fine lobby, several ornately decorated rooms and two remarkable domed ceilings, both of which are well worth seeking out. We arrived a little late in the day and were pretty much the only people exploring the place which hosts a number of art exhibitions which you can also peruse at your leisure. Entrance is free and it's just across the road from Millennium Park/The 'Bean', so it's an easy addition to any city centre itinerary.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angeli S
1 contribution
Dec 2019
The cultural center serves as the meeting point for Instagreeter tours. They are free walking tours that are run by volunteers. Our volunteer was Richard. My husband and I were fortunate that we were the only two on the tour! It made for a very in-depth and interesting tour. We briefly went in to the center and Richard showed us some architecture and design features of the building as well as described some of it's history. We toured through several Chicago buildings where Richard explained some of the history behind each building as well as tidbits of information about the architecture and artwork that gives each building it's character. Some of the buildings we toured were the Inland Steel building, the Marquette building, the Rookery, the Federal Bank Reserve of Chicago, the Palmer House, and went to the top of Cindy's Rooftop. It was truly such an honor to get a peek into Richard's vast knowledge of Chicago. We're looking forward to our next trip down to Chicago this year, where we will plan something with Richard again.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rlopez476@student.ccc.edu
1 contribution
Jan 2020
The Chicago Cultural Center is a jewel to admire; may not be a high rise, but it offers many floors to which one can explore its beauty. The center offers many exhibitions that are free to the public but be sure to always check the website ahead of time before your visit. The center is also known for its 2 Tiffany domes, one is the Rotunda to the Grand Army of the Republic and the other in Preston Bradley Hall. Both Halls are decorated with intricate details that are unique to each. Also, a Venetian inspired bridge, a site to take in. A truly amazing place to visit.
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McHenryDad
McHenry, IL247 contributions
Dec 2019
This building was built to be a library and Civil War monument. Walk in for 10 minutes to see the 2 beautiful domed ceilings. Spend more time if you appreciate the other architecture or historical aspects. The building is now used to display art exhibits; the one we saw was by some angry dude but totally worth the cost of the free admission.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie R
Los Angeles, CA14 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The Chicago Cultural Center was originally occupied by the main library in downtown Chicago. It is now a cultural center, offering a variety of programs and concerts, many free to the public. Don’t miss the Tiffany glass dome on the 3rd floor or the magnificent dome on the 2nd floor.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ParisWanderlust
Paris125 contributions
Feb 2020
Chicago certainly has its share of outstanding building. This used to be the city’s public library and dates from the end of the 19th century. A gorgeous example of Beaux Arts architecture. You can wander around inside and admire the beautiful rooms, including a huge Tiffany dome. There are lots of activities including free concerts and a guided tour from Wed to Sat at 1.15 pm which is well worth it.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T&J
Los Angeles, CA266 contributions
Mar 2020
I loved everything about this place, from the architecture of the building (artwork in itself), to the beautiful, moving art installation I experienced, to the fact that all of this is free. I saw things that took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. I laughed, I cried. I was reminded of the depths of the human experience and humbled and so very grateful that these talented artists had shared a piece of themselves with me. This is a special place and aptly located in the heart of Chicago, an accessible, culturally rich and wondrous city.
Written 4 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Coach55
Ruislip, UK1 311 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Chicago Cultural Center is located on East Washington Street in the Loop area of the city close to Millennium Park.
The only exhibition on during our visit was Exquisite Canvas : Mural Takeover. This was a collection of works by Cecilia Beaven, Miguel A. Del Real and Anna Murphy, which were quite thought provoking.
The star of the show, however, was the building itself. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was formerly the city’s public library.
The decor and fittings are beautifully ornate especially the dome.
Admission is free and although there is currently not much to see, the beauty of the building makes a brief visit worthwhile.
The only exhibition on during our visit was Exquisite Canvas : Mural Takeover. This was a collection of works by Cecilia Beaven, Miguel A. Del Real and Anna Murphy, which were quite thought provoking.
The star of the show, however, was the building itself. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was formerly the city’s public library.
The decor and fittings are beautifully ornate especially the dome.
Admission is free and although there is currently not much to see, the beauty of the building makes a brief visit worthwhile.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eve99999
Washington DC, DC4 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We joined a free tour leaving from the cultural center and had a blast! Alan, our guide, was exceptional. Super knowledgeable and kind, he showed us around the center and the Loop. We also went inside a few buildings and he spoke about the history, art, and architecture of the city. Would highly recommend. It’s great that it’s free and accessible to all!
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcia B
Bloomfield, CT165 contributions
Jun 2022
Visiting this landmark is free. It is made up of a four-story north side and a five-story south side. When I visited, I did the tour with the aid of a tour guide You can tour the building by climbing the stairs or taking the elevator. Its shining glory is its two large stained-glass domes. Touring it was worth the visit.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Please translate the Hebrew on the Tiffany Dome' Thank you. A. S. Task
Written 19 May 2018
The Hebrew is the first part of Isaiah 29:12. And when they give the book to one who cannot read, saying, “Read this,” [he says, “I cannot read.]
Written 13 August 2018
I saw this place and I was wondering, I have a quinceanera and I wanted to take pictures in here am I able too ?
Written 28 May 2017
I believe there are elevators to access the upper floors.
Written 29 May 2017
Is there any entry fee to visit the Chicago cultural centre?
Written 26 June 2016
No, all we had to do was walk in. This is also true for the wing that had art in it.... no charge.
Written 7 July 2016
Of course you can! There is a large room w/tables on the first floor near the Randolph St entrance. Its perfect for eating lunch you might bring in. Sometimes there's a band.
Written 28 January 2015
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