Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago, IL 60602-4801
Phone: (312) 744-6630
- Cross Street:
- Randolph Street
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Lake; Green, Orange or Brown Line to Randolph/Wabash
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm
Editorial Review for Chicago Cultural Center – by Citysearch Staff
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.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoMore than 600 free performances and exhibitions are held each year at the CCC.
Look GoodWhile 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 ExtrasOn 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.
User Reviews for Chicago Cultural Center
08/15/2006 Posted by faribath
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...
05/27/2003 Posted by angelbird551
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.
Pros: Free
Cons: No Parking, Events drng wrk hrs, Bldb. hard to navigat
Schedule
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