Chicago Cultural Ctr
(312) 744-6630
78 E Washington St
Chicago,
IL
60602
41.8833
-87.6251
Neighborhoods: Central, Loop
Last updated 5.10.09
What People Are Saying About Chicago Cultural Ctr
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Dedicated in 1897, the Chicago Cultural Center is palatial in size and design; its five floors feature architectural styles that span the globe and the centuries executed in lush materials (marble, stained glass), coffered ceilings, enormous and ornate halls, and more than a dozen visual and performing-arts spaces. The first floor also hosts a Chicago Office of Tourism visitor center.
Features
In the Preston Bradley Hall on the third floor, under a glorious 38-foot, $35 million Tiffany dome, guests are likely to encounter classical music or acoustic performances. The fourth floor's Sidney R. Yates Gallery has exhibits featuring contemporary artists like Miguel Navarro and Carmen Calvo. Visitors can return to the information center on the first floor for Chicago-related brochures and maps and view free video presentations. Folks itching to spend money can visit the Shop for souvenirs or stop at the Randolph Cafe for a meal and live entertainment.
User Reviews
faribath
August 15, 2006
We visited the Cultural Center today, and were not all that impressed. The building has beautiful architectural details, but the exhibits currently on display are sparse at best. The majority of the building contains offices and conference rooms, so you are left wandering all over, without a map. The woman at the information desk sent us to an administrative floor, and told us to "just wander through any open door." I'm just glad it was free...
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angelbird551
May 27, 2003
While the other listings of Chicago's top free spots are outdoorsy type places, I have found the Cultural Center to have the best in classical music, lectures, art exhibits and other live shows. This is a must for poor students like myself and others who appreciate a well-rounded humanities event.
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Nuttylibrlgirl
January 04, 2003
We visted there yesterday and had a wonderful time! While we were there to visit the Museum of Broadcast Arts specifically, we enjoyed the whole center! The building in and of itself is breathtaking.
read full reviewThe Details on Chicago Cultural Ctr
Know Before You Go:
More than 600 free performances and exhibitions are held each year at the CCC.
Look Good:
While on the first floor, don't miss the Museum of Broadcast Communications; tune into the Kennedy-Nixon debate or revisit radio's golden days.
The Extras:
On the National Register of Historic Places, the CCC is a mecca for architecture buffs; take the 45-minute tour to best appreciate the building's splendors.
