As someone who is proud to call Chicago my birthplace and former home for many years, I’ve always known that the city is one of the world’s finest cultural capitals. But as many times as I’ve passed by the old Chicago Public Library building, I never walked through the doors of what is now the Chicago Cultural Center, an impressive venue for performing arts, lectures, art exhibitions and special events. The Beaux Arts building, constructed between 1893 and 1897, is a grand work inspired by the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 held in Chicago.
Chicago Cultural Center
What’s Up at the Chicago Cultural Center
Yesterday, my curiosity got the better of me; perhaps prompted by the intriguing sign about a current free exhibition, “Morbid Curiosity: The Richard Harris Collection”. The death-themed exhibit consists of over 500 eclectic works of art and cultural artifacts spanning six thousand years from the collection of Chicago resident, Richard Harris. I found the exhibition to be very creative, thought-provoking and even educational, particularly the sections exploring cultural traditions, the inevitability of death and and horrors of war.
Morbid Curiosity: The Richard Harris Collection
Sadly, just as I attempted to take my first photo, I was stopped by a security guard and told that photography was not allowed in the gallery.
However, I had plenty of photo opportunities in the rest of the building. I went a little crazy taking shots from various angles and perspectives of the majestic staircase and intricately-designed ceilings, flooring, and walls.
Staircase and Ceiling at Chicago Cultural Center
Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall
Dome Ceiling in G.A.R. Memorial Hall at Chicago Cultural Center
The stained glass dome in the G.A.R (Grand Army of the Republic) Memorial hall is 40 feet in diameter was originally a skylight, but is now enclosed and backlit. Somehow I missed a second magnificent dome located in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall. It is 38-foot Tiffany glass dome that is said to be the largest Tiffany dome in the world. Now I’m curious to see that on my next trip!
GAR Memorial Hall
Windows of G.A.R Memorial Hall
These windows in GAR Memorial Hall look out onto Randolph Street toward lake Michigan and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park.
Staircase at Chicago Cultural Center
Stairs and Ceiling of Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Cultural Center
Staircase at Chicago Cultural Center: Looking down at people below
The Chicago Cultural Center was established in 1991 as the first municipal cultural venue in the United States to offer free events, performances and exhibitions for the public. It’s located at 78 E. Washington Street, on the corner of Michigan Avenue.
This is my contribution to this week’s Travel Photo Thursday originated and hosted by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Be sure to check out other contributions on her website.
The building is a work of art! I’m sure the photos of the exh wouldn’t have measured up.
I was quite surprised when I walked into the building and saw what a beauty it was. I still would have liked a few pics from the exhibit — some very unusual pieces.
Outstanding architecture. I love those windows.
I liked the windows, too — and the views of Chicago from them.
Wow…what a gorgeous building. I really have to get to Chicago. How I’ve never been is beyond me…
Deej … now is the time. Get thee to Chicago!
You and Dick Jordan seem to have teamed up this week on the idea of taking shots at different angles and not trying to get the ‘whole thing’ I love the photos of the stairways and ceilings in particular. Most interesting post. . .as always!
Thanks, Jackie. Just took a look at Dick’s post. Great minds ….
These are great photos! I’m headed to Chicago in August, so I’ll definitely have to check this place out!
I don’t know if you’ve been to Chicago before, but I think you’ll love it. GREAT city!
Yeah — I’m pretty pumped! I’ve been through it, but haven’t really done much. I grew up in Indiana. Love the midwest. It will always be home 🙂
Love the details, especially the ones on the ceiling! Wish we had more public buildings like that here in the Philippines 🙂
It’s amazing to me all the design and craftsmanship that went into building interiors back then.
That ceiling is stunning- looks like a beautiful building!
I wish I had known about the second dome ceiling before I went there. I’ll have to check that out next time.
Beautiful details and architecture, Cathy! The exterior of the building looks a bit plain but I love how the interior is such a contrast filled with so many interesting architectural details and color. Wow on that dome ceiling.
There was such a focus on interiors then. You’re right that the exterior is rather plain — that’s why I was so struck by the beauty of the interior.
What a beautiful building! I am really wanting to go to Chicago, and this place seems like one I would really enjoy. The exhibit sounds strangely interesting, too!
As I know that you are an art lover, I think you’d totally love Chicago. Great galleries & exhibitions like this one going on all the time.
A beautiful building Cathy – and in the interior it seems more European in design than American.
Indeed. I think that much of the architecture influenced by the 1893 Columbia Exposition was similarly designed.
What a beautiful building! Chicago is one of my favourite cities – I think we have visited 6 or 7 times and the girls and I are going by ourselves for a few days this August.
Chicago is an awesome city. I’m sure you girls will have a great time in August — I love those hot summers in the city!
Such a magnificent building! Too bad you couldn’t get more shots of the exhibit, but understandable 🙂 LOVE that dome ceiling!
The ceiling is beautiful. Wish I had known enough to look for the other Tiffany ceiling there. That’s what I get for not doing any research.
What a beautiful building! Chicago has long been on my travel wishlist…
I can’t believe the number of times I walked by that building and didn’t think about going in. Better late than never, I guess.
Great photos – I always love your staircase shots. Isn’t it boring when you’re not allowed to take photos of exhibitions? At least the building itself is interesting enough to entertain a camera-wielding blogger. 🙂
Julia
Thanks so much, Julia. Before I had my blog, I wouldn’t have even thought about taking photos in an exhibit. Now it seems weird not to take any. 🙂
What a wonderful location. Beautifully shown in this series!
Thanks, Andrew. Glad you think I did the place justice with the photos.
I’ve never been here before 🙂 Your article and photos sure make me want to go.
Thanks, Samuel. Stop in sometime when you’re in the Loop. It’s free!
This makes me think to really go to that place when I have time and chance.. I just love them photos here.. Great job!
Thanks for coming by — glad you liked the photos.
I love Chicago and in particular its food and architecture. Definitely one of my favourite cities in the USA. Can’t wait to go there again.
Two of my favorite things about Chicago, too. 🙂
That’s really cool. There are so many hidden treasures in our cities. Everyone should vow to become resident tourists!
You can say that again! It seems that we just don’t explore our own cities enough.
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I love finding wonderful gems like this! I especially liked the dome. But did you finish looking at the exhibit?
I have not heard of this exhibit, but it sounds awesome. I am going to have to check it out this week.