Saying Goodbye to Chicago, Part Nine: Chicago Cultural Center, Vol. 1

My walk down Michigan Avenue yesterday culminated in a visit to the Chicago Cultural Center. Opened in 1897 and originally the central Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Cultural Center now serves as an official reception venue for the city of Chicago and offers a series of free art exhibits. On Wednesdays, they also hold a series of free, midday concerts, and yesterday's concert featured a pianist performing works by Liszt, Liadov, and Prokofiev. This architectural masterpiece displays a style that combines the neo-classical with Italian Renaissance accents. It is truly a Chicago treasure, and I fear that might photos might not do justice to its beauty. But I hope that they will.

The main entrance, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL

Grand staircase, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL

Entering the Chicago Cultural Center and seeing the grand main staircase and the artistic detail given to the ceiling and walls makes it feel like you have stepped into a time machine and transported to the Gilded Age. It feels like a grand ballroom and you find yourself straining to hear the distant sound of a waltz being performed. 

Upper-level staircase detail, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL

Attention has been given to everything, even to something as simple as the sides of the upper-level staircase. This colorful display enlivens the grand and serious tone of the Center.

Staircase and ceiling view, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL

Bannister detail, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL

This bannister definitely displays Gilded Age affinity for the shining and ornate.

Ornate sconce, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL

Upper-level staircase, looking downward, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL

Wall and ceiling detail at entrance of grand room, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL

Intricate mosaic art provides the Center with an almost Byzantine beauty. The subject matter is often botanical or organic, but also literary, which betrays the Center's previous identity as Chicago's central library. Close-up photos will be provided in the next installment.

Check it out: Chicago Cultural Center