Chicago is home to the largest dome made of Tiffany stained glass in the world. But you won't find it at the Art Institute or in one of the city's famous museums. It's in the Chicago Cultural Center, which takes up a whole city block and was, when it opened in 1991, the country's first free municipal cultural center. It offers more than 700 arts and cultural programs every year –- and almost all of them are free. Not only do you experience visual art, performing arts, lectures and other cultural events in the Chicago Cultural Center, you can also enjoy seeing one of the city's most beautiful architectural treasures.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is closed most holidays, so plan your visit by checking the center's schedule on its website to make sure it will be open on the day(s) you want to be there. Its hours on most days, including Saturday and Sunday, are either 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., so check the website and plan accordingly.
Must See and Do at the Chicago Cultural Center
To truly appreciate the architectural treasures of the building, take one of the 45-minute building tours that are conducted at 1:15 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, departing from the Randolph Street Lobby on the first floor. No reservations needed.
- Expand your mind by attending one of the University of Chicago's free lectures in the Cultural Center
- Listen to one of the free musical performances presented by the Center
- Contemplate the art in the Center's galleries
Admission to the Chicago Cultural Center
There is no admission charged at the Chicago Cultural Center, and most of the performances, exhibits and programs are free as well.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center's website, which is part of the city's website, has extensive directions to the Center. You can find parking in one of these parking garages: Millennium Park, Grant Park North, Grant Park South and East Monroe garage. Chicago Transit Authority has buses and trains that stop near the Cultural Center, as does Metra's rail lines. Visit the CTA website for more information. The city's bike sharing program also has a station in the Chicago Cultural Center.
Food at the Chicago Cultural Center
Several cafes, bakeries, sandwich shops and restaurants are within just a few blocks of the Cultural Center, some within easy walking distance, so you can grab a bite either before or after your visit.
Insider Tip for the Chicago Cultural Center
One of the Chicago Visitor Information Centers is located inside the Cultural Center. Stop in and get information for the best way to enjoy the rest of your Chicago visit.
Author's bio: Susan Hoskins Miller is a writer who lives in metropolitan Indianapolis and works in a university library. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and exploring places in the Midwest.