Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago

The Chicago Cultural Center, a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life, has been a venue for numerous significant events and exhibitions, including the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial. Originally conceived as a grand public library, the building was designed by the Boston architectural firm Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge. Completed in 1897, it was built in a restrained classical style, reflecting the design principles of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. With a cost of $2 million, the library’s lavish interior featured sumptuous marbles and vibrant mosaics inspired by Venetian landmarks, making it one of the city's architectural jewels.

Today, the Chicago Cultural Center is renowned for its stunning stained-glass domes, which are among its most cherished features. Grand Army of the Republic Hall is adorned with an intricate Renaissance-patterned dome, though its glass has darkened over time. In contrast, Preston Bradley Hall boasts the world’s largest Tiffany dome, a breathtaking expanse of opalescent glass that has been meticulously restored to its former brilliance. These domes highlight the building's transition from a library to a prominent cultural institution.

In the mid-1960s, the building faced potential demolition as it seemed outdated. However, a passionate group of historic preservationists, led by figures like Charles Staples and the organization that would become Landmarks Illinois, fought tirelessly to save it. Their efforts were successful, and the building was repurposed as the nation’s first free, city-operated cultural center, ensuring its continued prominence and use in Chicago’s cultural landscape.