Chicago Cultural Center

Activity Overview

The City of Chicago's Cultural Center is a building with a long and proud history. Built in 1897 as the city's first public library it is now a landmark building with beautiful and grandiose architecture including two beautiful stained glass domes. For some years now the building has served as the location at which the Mayor of Chicago welcomes Presidents, royalty and various national and foreign dignitaries.

Things to Do

• An incredible array of galleries and theatre are spread out across the five floors of the Chicago Cultural Center. Included amongst these are the Garland Gallery, the Chicago Rooms, the Yates Gallery and the Exhibit Hall.
• The Building is home to the Chicago Visitor Information Center which you can head to if you want to know more about what you can get up to in the city.
• The building also hosts cultural events, exhibits and performances.

Chicago Cultural Center Insider Tips

• The Center provides newspapers, periodicals and children's books to be enjoyed on site. So it is a good place to relax and expand your knowledge and a great study area for teens and adults alike.
• Unusually for a landmark of this stature in Chicago, admission is totally free for all ages so take advantage and make a trip!
• This location may not be a great place for the youngest kids as there isn't a whole lot that is oriented towards tots. However if you have a child who is a little older and has any kind of interest in art, history or architecture they could well fall in love with this place.
• The Cultural Center is closed on many holidays. You can find a full list of the buildings closed days as well as more information on opening times here.