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Chicago Cultural Center

Museum, Event Space, and Cultural Center

The Loop, Chicago

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9.1^/10

1,016

ratings

Ranked #5 for exhibits in Chicago
The folks at Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Explore Chicago like this place. Would you agree?
"Free! Beautiful Tiffany dome and architecture."(6 Tips)
"In Preston Bradley Hall, just stand a li'l off to the west and look..."(5 Tips)
"Lovely interior with beautiful tiles & stained glass dome."(4 Tips)
"Art & photo exhibits, Tiffany glass main room is spectacular."(4 Tips)

144 Tips and reviews

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concerts
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preston bradley hall
stained glass dome
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Shouku ShafeieAugust 28, 2017
It has a very nice and gorgeous architecture mixed with different cultures!!! Do not miss it when you are checking downtown!Maybe you can find sth unique on the walls or ceiling!!!💖
Noel RodriguezOctober 9, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Great place to spend an afternoon at. There's a regular rotation of new galleries/art installments/events. Vast majority of which are free!! Largest Tiffany glass dome in the world is in the building.
Negin NGNovember 17, 2014
Beautiful old library, stunning interiors, cozy little gift shop where you can find amazing handmade stuff and last but not least, free performances. Grab your lunch and witness a nice show here.
FilmsquareSeptember 14, 2013
The Cultural Centre appears in The Untouchables (1987) as the location of the opera Al Capone attends, the courtroom exterior where Frank Nitti is frisked and the roof from which he is thrown.
Melody LeggeJuly 23, 2015
What a neat place! So much culture and history here. This is a must for locals and tourists. Free exhibits and concerts. Good info on what to do around Chicago and tours are provided.
Hotel IndigoJanuary 24, 2013
If the best things in life are free, then a stroll through the neighborhood is a must. For those who prefer a private and personalized tour, we recommend a Walk Chicago Tour leaving from here. Read more
Hotel IndigoJanuary 23, 2013
If the best things in life are free, then a stroll through the neighborhood is a must. For those who prefer a private and personalized tour, Walk Chicago is our choice. Tours meet here. Read more
Stacy Bo BacyMarch 4, 2020
Some small, free art to stumble upon but the glass dome by the Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company is truly spectacular.
Angelica DongalloMay 16, 2014
Love love loved this building (both inside and out) and the exhibits/art. Check out the Mecca Flat Blues exhibit on the beautiful fourth floor through May 25.
Jeff ByrnesOctober 18, 2019
An absolutely stunning set of exhibits, and well-framed discussion of de-colonializing elements of Chicago & the US.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleMarch 3, 2013
This marvelous Neoclassical palazzo was the city's 1st library in 1897. Come for the Tiffany glass dome, stay for the free public programs. – Green Guide Editor
Johanne Beaudoin-VogelsangApril 7, 2017
There is a free guided tour of the building that is definitely worth doing! It lasts about one hour and you learn a lot about the history of the building.
Jackie MannAugust 21, 2015
As a local Chicagoan, this is my absolute favorite building in the entire city. I take everyone here and I wander around it whenever I have time. Incredible!
Dion MMay 12, 2013
Been here 10+ times
How many great things can I say about this place. Beauty, culture, art...and bathrooms and places to charge a cell phone...both premiums in this downtown area!!! Be sure to see the Tiffany Dome!!!
Joseph B.September 5, 2014
Been here 5+ times
The exhibits are nothing to boast of, buy everything around them is pretty cool. The classic reading room w/ WiFi & outlets, the Tiffany dome, the Grand Army of the Republic hall, etc. Awesome.
Tour Through A LensJuly 31, 2013
I LOVE this place for photography. Though, since the changeover, I miss the friendly Visitor Center staff and comfortable feel on the First Level. Inviting for foreigners.
Anamaria HernandezSeptember 14, 2014
Incredible exhibit about Chicago designers and style! Be sure to check it on the fourth floor before it leaves in November. PS. It's FREE!
HISTORYApril 7, 2010
Completed in 1897 it was dedicated as the city's original Chicago Public Library. This monument was inspired by the neo-classical style of the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893.
Fodor's TravelAugust 21, 2015
The architectural masterpiece, featuring a Carrara marble lobby and large windows, opened in 1897 and hosts more than 700 free exhibits, screenings, performances, and lectures every year.
Daniel DxlnNovember 4, 2015
Such an inspiring and modern place for get together, meeting new people or visiting the awesome exhibition about architecture. 5/5
Jose SalinasJune 11, 2012
On fourth floor. Morbid Curiosity It's free. Use your cell phone for a free audio tour. Art in real form!!! I like this galley better than the sex exhibit on Las Ramblas Barcelona. Go figure
Darren CalhounOctober 22, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Drop in on a Sunday afternoon, usually there is a free musical performance and there's always great exhibits to explore. It's one of the great FREE go-to spots in Chicago!
Joseph PalmerMarch 1, 2013
Watch your step on the north stairs off of lobby in center of the building... there isn't much contrast and what you think is the last step might not be.. Otherwise an awesome place to view art.
lino brescia™August 19, 2017
Free to walk in. Beautiful ceilings. Defn take a stroll when you see the bean.
Erica McKeehenJanuary 12, 2013
The Small Ordinary Shop has many beautiful handmade items from local artisans. Clothing, candles, bags, prints, and jewelry -- I wish I could just buy it all.
Paul GallagherAugust 27, 2014
Dip in here if visiting the city and have a few minutes to spare. The guide will point out the highlights, the domes on the 3rd floor.
Michael TyznikAugust 30, 2019
Wow this place was a hidden gem. The Tiffany hall is awe-inspiring.
My NguyenMarch 24, 2016
If it's still there, see Theo Jansens "beasts"! If not, the local Chicagoan art exhibits are interesting.
Eva GuadarramaMarch 14, 2016
This is a nice place to visit, and it has many free public event you can attend. The glass roof inside is beautiful.
Eliane vdBOctober 12, 2012
Chicago's first library and home to the world's largest Tiffany-glass dome ceiling. It was designed in the neo-classical style popularized by the 1893 World's Fair.
Kayla FeuchtenbergerJuly 11, 2018
Neat history and architecture!
Renae MasonMarch 25, 2018
See the Kerry James Marshall mural on the outside 😍🎨
Kathryn AndersonFebruary 5, 2017
Free! Beautiful Tiffany dome and architecture. Also, it also features rotating exhibits that are interesting.
Christopher BurdickSeptember 1, 2011
I love going here for free concerts, events, and art exhibits. Also, the building itself is well worth the experience, complete with beautiful mosaic-tile ceilings.
Explore ChicagoSeptember 20, 2011
The Chicago Cultural Center was the backdrop for several scenes from The Untouchables, including a performance of an opera in Preston Bradley Hall that moves Al Capone (Robert de Niro) to tears.
Jonathan FerreraOctober 12, 2015
Been here 10+ times
This place hosts some great, free public events and is connected to the Pedway via an elevator to the basement.
Panos MarkopoulosDecember 31, 2018
Just the architecture. Nice building. Work walking through its halls. Exhibitions this day were kind of boring.
WorldbizSeptember 17, 2017
Lovely interior with beautiful tiles & stained glass dome. Visual art exhibits. Free admission
Shannon JeropkeMarch 31, 2019
Been here 10+ times
Everything is free so it’s worth a stop.
Explore ChicagoSeptember 20, 2011
The Chicago Cultural Center was the backdrop for several scenes from The Untouchables, including Frank Nitti’s (Billy Drago) dramatic demise at the hand of federal agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Kostner).
Panos MarkopoulosJanuary 1, 2019
Everything
Keenan BroweJanuary 19, 2012
In Preston Bradley Hall, just stand a li'l off to the west and look out the east windows, at Jay Pritzker Pavilion.I mean, stand towards one side of the awesome room and look at the awesome thing.
Julia StylesOctober 11, 2011
There are so many art exhibits to check out in this building, and the architecture is beautiful. Make sure you check out the stained glass ceiling. It's free, so don't be shy.
David OstrowAugust 20, 2016
Art & photo exhibits, Tiffany glass main room is spectacular. Dame Myra Hess piano concerts there are great
Cécile FdApril 30, 2014
Really nice place, beautiful marble stair. Enjoy the free entry and all activities (concerts, movies, dance...)
Independent Lens | PBSAugust 29, 2011
Did you know that ITVS Community Cinema offers free films every month at the Chicago Cultural Center? Click Read More to check out the listings. We hope to see you there! Read more
CheapismSeptember 1, 2011
This landmark building houses free public events, such as lectures, films, music and dance events. They have the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome. Read more
DoraJune 30, 2010
Most concerts, shows, exhibits and dance programs are free! Step inside and check the schedule (and don’t forget to look up – there are two gorgeous stained glass domes).Powered by ParentsConnect.co Read more
AmeliaNovember 21, 2014
Always free, has some really intriguing exhibits you wouldn't see at a stodgy museum!
Shawn CallahanOctober 29, 2015
Storycorps is located on the ground floor. Go in and record your story.

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