The Chicago Cultural Center: Architectural Showplace for the Lively and Visual Arts
One-half block from the building I work in is the Chicago Cultural Center. This beautiful structure is a fine example of adaptive reuse. It started out life in 1897 as the first permanent home for the Chicago Public Library but is now how to exhibits and performances day and night.
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The architectural style of
the Cultural Center is Beaux Arts, so called because of the extensive
use of beautiful decorative materials such as carved stone, marble,
glass and hand painting. No expense was spared in decoration as
we shall see. |
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Exterior portions of the building
were adorned by carved stone decorations. |
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This is the Grand Army of
the Republic Dome, a stained glass paean of praise to the heroes
who fought in the Civil War and who, after the war, became a major
political force all across the North. |
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This is a second glass dome
on the other side of the building. Even without all the color, it
grabs the eye. |
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Here is small bit of the detail
work that covers portions of the interior. Expensive materials assembled
with the labor of craftsmen. This is a building that is well worth
visiting. |
Chicago's Cultural Center |
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