Baha'I House Of Worship

10/27/07

Very beautiful, serene place to meditate and worship. Incredible architecture

by uradel at Citysearch

If you are a student of architecture this is a must see. If you are an individual who is open to experiencing a very serene, contemplative prayer environment this is a must do. I grew up near here so it has always been my backyard but it wasn't until my son used photos of it for a high school architectural class that we really started to appreciate the beauty and spirituality of this place. It does not matter what religion you call yourself. It is a house of worship open to everyone and this all embracing feeling is deeply felt when you sit in the solitude and quiet of the sanctuary. The grounds are impeccably maintained. You'll see rolling hills of lawn and water features like fountains. It is a photographers paradise. The outside architecture actually appears (in some places) to look like intricate lace carved into marble or white limestone. I have also seen many symbols that represent other known religions such crosses, cresents, stars of David, etc. We only get to visit a few times a year but it is always a treat. I have also brought out of country visitors and they have always marveled at it. Even if you have no interest in the spirituality, take a visit for the sheer art aspects. It's just a little north of Chicago in Wilmette. An easy drive or El ride. It is well worth it because you'll never see anything like it unless you visit India.

• Pros: a dream for students of art/architecture-a lovely place for prayer & meditation
• Cons: none

08/24/05

Great Place to See in Chicago

by mellowd at Citysearch

The Baha'i House of Worship is a great place to see in the Chicago Area. It's actually in Wilmette, which is a 30-minute subway ride on the purple line to Linden Ave.

The architecture is beautiful, and the House of Worship is open to people of all beliefs. I really recommend going inside -- the view of the dome from the inside is amazing. They sometimes have programs to watch, but usually individuals go inside to pray or think (it is a quiet area). They also have rooms downstairs with an explanation and history of the Baha'i Faith. I must add that there is no clergy in the religion, so you will not see any "mass" or any kind of preaching, which is really nice for non-Baha'is and makes the environment more welcoming.

Overall it's a great place for photographers of architecture or people interested in history or religion.

• Pros: Great Architecture, Welcoming Environment, Next to Lake Michigan
• Cons: None

The temple is a striking North Shore landmark.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
As Sheridan Road winds into Wilmette, the gleaming, nearly 200-foot-high dome of the Baha'i House of Worship swings into view, looking like a hybrid of a mosque and a space station. The Baha'i temple was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.