Originally established as the city's Public Library, the Chicago Cultural Center was built in 1897. Its designed was inspired by the neo-classical style of the World's Columbian Exposition which was held four years earlier. The Chicago Cultural Center is considered to be one of the most expensive buildings ever constructed. At the time of when it was built, the Chicago Cultural Center's construction was pegged at $2 Million. The interior of the building are crafted using the highest quality marble, hardwood, stained-glass, polished brass and glass mosaics.
The main showstopper of the building is its stained glass dome which is valued at $35 Million. Measuring 38 feet across, the stained glass dome located at the southern end of the building is the largest Tiffany stained glass dome in the world. Recently the Tiffany dome underwent some much needed renovation and restoration back in 2007 and was completed a year after. Today, the Tiffany dome continues to be the focal point of the Chicago Cultural Center. It has been recently regarded as an essential cultural heritage landmark not just in the city of
Chicago, but in the rest of
Illinois and the country as well.
Art exhibitions are held throughout the year at the Chicago Cultural Center, and admission is free of charge. The different art exhibits are situated in all floors of the center showcasing diverse collections utilizing different forms of media created by popular and up and coming artists. There are also a number of historical collections that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage from the United States and other parts of the world.
