Regenstein Library and Mansueto Library, Chicago

Regenstein Library and Mansueto Library, Chicago

Architect Walter A. Netsch Jr. introduced the concept of concrete brutalism to the traditional University of Chicago campus, resulting in the Regenstein Library, which made a bold departure from the norm. The building's irregular massing, slit windows, and vertically grooved facade ostensibly drew inspiration from the surrounding Gothic buildings but primarily reflected Netsch's distinctive design vision. Constructed with grooved limestone, which, from a distance, resembles concrete, the building is often noted by university tour guides for its resemblance to the fore edge of a book. In reality, it stands as one of the world's largest book repositories, highly regarded by its users. In addition, it serves as a popular gathering place for the University's students and houses the Special Collections Research Center, home to rare book collections, manuscripts, and university archives.

In stark contrast, Mansueto Library, designed by German-American architect Helmut Jahn, exhibits significant differences from Regenstein, featuring a transparent, self-supporting dome consisting of 691 rhombus-shaped glass panels, seemingly hovering above a well-lit reading room. Below ground, the library houses five floors of storage space accommodating around 3.5 million volumes, all easily accessible via an impressive robotic retrieval system. Mr. Jahn often characterizes his architectural approach as "archineering", reflecting the innovative engineering that underpins his projects, yet the overarching objective is "elegant minimalism", a goal that the Mansueto Library impeccably achieves, earning it several architectural accolades in the years following its dedication.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Regenstein Library and Mansueto Library on Map

Sight Name: Regenstein Library and Mansueto Library
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois

Create Your Own Walk in Chicago

Create Your Own Walk in Chicago

Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour

Chicago Introduction Walking Tour

Sitting on the shore of Lake Michigan in the U.S. State of Illinois, Chicago has had many nicknames throughout its history, including the Windy City, Chi-Town, Second City, and the City of the Big Shoulders referring to the numerous towers and high-risers that punctuate its skyline.

Prior to the Europeans, the area of today's Chicago was successively inhabited by various Native American...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour

Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour

Additional to scenic views of the lake, the boats, and the city skyline, the Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions on the waterfront – for kids as well as adults – that draw nearly ten million people annually, making this Chicago's most visited spot. Yes, some may see it as a “tourist trap”, but it is worth the time and money to spend some time here, so take this self-guided walk...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour

Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour

The city of Chicago is renowned for its outdoor green spaces. One such “forever free and open” space, is called Grant Park and was established in 1844. In fact, upon foundation, it was called Lake Park, but was renamed in 1901 after the American Civil War General and United States President, Ulysses S. Grant.

Popularly referred to as “Chicago's front lawn,” this lakefront park is...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour

The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour

The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world’s great avenues – or Chicago’s version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
University of Chicago Walking Tour

University of Chicago Walking Tour

Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago is among the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. As of 2020, the University’s students, faculty and staff have included 100 Nobel laureates, giving it the fourth-most affiliated Nobel laureates of any university.

Set in the heart of Chicago’s famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park, the campus is worth a visit as it offers a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Chicago Old Town Walking Tour

Chicago Old Town Walking Tour

Settled in 1850 by German immigrants, Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and visitors who cater to the entertainment venues, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques – all of which have turned an area once referred to as the “Cabbage Patch” into an attraction that rivals Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.

Start your Old Town walking...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Chicago Souvenirs: 15 Distinct Local Products to Bring Home

Chicago Souvenirs: 15 Distinct Local Products to Bring Home

One of the most fascinating cities in the U.S., if not the whole world, Chicago has no shortage of things closely associated with it, often due to their direct origin (blues, gangstership, etc.), so one might literally be spoiled for choice as to what to choose as a "piece" of Chicago to...