Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Cultural Center
4.5
Architectural BuildingsCivic Centres
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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Top ways to experience Chicago Cultural Center
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
See what travellers are saying
  • Stephanie M
    39 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Free Things to Do
    We 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 October 2023
  • kleic
    San Antonio, Texas1,085 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hiding 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 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 12 November 2023
  • J h
    76 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting
    Beautiful 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 2023
    Written 15 November 2023
  • DavidO99
    Azle, Texas69 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful architecture inside, pop in for a 10 minute visit
    The 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 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 March 2024
  • MojoLad
    304 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A splendid way to spend an hour or two in Chicago
    We 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 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 April 2024
  • Erin K
    San Rafael, California166 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Delightful 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 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 30 June 2024
  • joaniemaria
    Eldridge, Iowa5,077 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tiffany dome, cool architecture
    We 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 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 July 2024
  • xcschlr
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin816 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful interior
    We 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 31 August 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3,074 reviews
Excellent
2,079
Very good
812
Average
148
Poor
26
Terrible
9

McHenryDad
McHenry, IL237 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, UK1,211 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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, DC5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 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, CT166 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
June 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.

MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI1,084 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022
Awesome building!! In visiting Chicago many times in the last 40 years, I had not returned to the Chicago Cultural Center since our first visit (when it was still part of the Chicago Public Library). Entering at the Washington street entrance, I was blown away by the White Carrera marble staircase decorated with inlaid mosaic designs from floor to ceiling. At the top of the stairs, the Roman arched doorways lead into the Hall where the fabulous Tiffany glass dome is illuminated by sunlight and there is more mosaic tilework featuring names and quotations. Love the green Irish Connemara marble accents too! A great place to meditate on the beauty of it all!! Be sure to walk up the staircase to the top floor, just to see all the mosaic work (and the exterior top of the Dome). Maybe not as amazing, but pretty nearly so, is the G.A.R. Rotunda featuring a beautiful glass dome and the adjacent Memorial Hall with displays and decoration related to the Civil War and life in Chicago during the Civil War. On the first floor there is a gallery featuring a panoramic photo wall of the aftermath of the 1871 Chicago Fire that destroyed much of the city. Throughout the building there are art exhibitions by local artists. And inside the Randolph Street entrance is a room with tables and chairs to meet up with friends, or just sit and read. And it's free!
Written 13 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.

Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,013 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022
This is an amazing gem in the middle of the city. While there were many guidebooks that tell you this is something worth seeing but they don't really tell you what. What you are seeing is the old public library that has a couple of the most ornate rooms. This is what you come to see and it is self guided so you can do it at really any time it is open and as fast or slow as you want. I think it was totally worth seeing, the two glass dome rooms and reception room were incredible, see the pictures. The exterior is also beautiful on Michigan Ave. Again this can be a fast stop to see some architectural interior jewels.
Written 11 August 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.

Hanan C
California647 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Family
From outside, you wouldn’t know what’s inside. But the minute you step inside and walk up the grand stairs, you are ushered into a large room covered with a stupendous dome. Tiffany dome ― 38 feet in diameter with some 30,000 pieces of glass. Amazing!
The walls are covered with mosaics of hold, stones and mother-of-pearl. The arches have names of classic philosophers and famous writers. It’s amazing to imagine that this building was Chicago’s public library. Now it has a theater, an art gallery and a dance studio.
Written 28 November 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.

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Chicago Cultural Center - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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