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All 636 Chicago Attractions »

Chicago Cultural Center

78 East Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60601
312 744.6630
As featured in 3 days in Chicago and 1 other guide
Ranked #1 of 124 shopping in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 206 Reviews
Type: Architectural Buildings, Art Galleries
Activities: Group tours/city tour
Fee: No
Owner description: The Chicago Cultural Center is the nation’s first free municipal cultural center and one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The stunning... more » Owner description: 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. The building also houses a Visitor Information Center, gift shop, and café. Admission is free. « less
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206 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    10
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Date Rating
Glenview
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Always great, many rooms to see from 100+ years of history. A quiet retreat.

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See 6 more reviews by Kenneth P for Chicago
Yorktown Heights, New York
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

No time to wait in line at the art gallery? Make a visit to this beautifully maintained gem which features fascinating exhibits ("Morbid Curiosity" is not to be missed). We visited during Memorial Day weekend and were very impressed by the calm and serene atmosphere and the professional staff. We regretted not having the time to stay for the concert.... More

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See 2 more reviews by happytobehere51 for Chicago
Oakridge, Oregon
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

We became aware of the Cultural Center when we met our Chicago Greeter. Got to see much of it, but not all before we did our tour. Went back to see the art so we could really take it in. There were many different sections of art--photos of decaying buildings on the cusp of demolition/saving, multimedia textiles, paintings, and a... More

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See 18 more reviews by tuc7k for Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

we went to the cultural center for tourist info and met up with a man giving tours. We followed him and saw beautiful fixtures, and art on the walls. I never noticed it before and really learned something. Well worth your time and free.

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See 15 more reviews by SMC48 for Chicago
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012

Saw Jacky Terrason and the Chicago Cultural Center... what a wonderful concert!

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See 3 more reviews by mellah124 for Chicago
Bethel, Connecticut
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012
2
people found this review helpful

The Cultural Center is amazing. I had been to Chicago twice before and had walked right by the building without knowing what it was. It's right across the street from Millennium Park, so you will most likely be in the area anyway. The building says Chicago Library on the outside, but is now the Chicago Cultural Center. Start at the... More

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See 3 more reviews by LookingforLisa for Chicago
Orange County, California
Top Contributor
117 reviews 117 reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

Go up into the upper levels and check out the incredible Tiffany windows. Some beautiful architectural details throughout. Clean bathroom inside. Worth a few minutes to walk through.

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See 14 more reviews by bubbles911 for Chicago
Alexandria, VA
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

Go visit both sides of this interesting building- half cultural center, half former library. Beautiful building and interesting history.

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See 5 more reviews by avb for Chicago
Edmonton, Canada
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

Lots of maps, a bathroom, and photo exhibits. This is where to meet up for your free Chicago Greeter tour

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See 6 more reviews by thriftycanuck49 for Chicago
Dorchester Ontario
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We had the opportunity of visiting the Chicago Cultural Centre with our Chicago Greeter who was an expert in design and architecture. She pointed out many aspects of the design and history of this building that we might not otherwise have known had we just wandered through the building on our own. The beautiful Tiffany stained glass domes and the... More

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See 3 more reviews by canadiankathie for Chicago

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