Cancel

Open app

Search

Chicago Cultural Center

4.6 (508 reviews)
Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Chicago Cultural Center Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Chicago Cultural Center

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Alan S.

I recommend going here mostly because it's free! There's a lot of walking, and a lot of stairs. There are elevators if you need them, but you have to look for them. What the building is known for is the giant Tiffany dome. It's gorgeous, see the pictures. The rest just depends on the season. I think I got lucky because the tangible sound exhibit was really cool. I learned the history of the velvet lounge, saw some really come pictures, and an interactive exhibit. On the other side there were these art poster with quotes... Somewhere interesting, some less so. Overall still a good experience, but you never quite know what you're going to get!

Without a brochure or guide, this puzzled us. It closely resembles a Franc Macon work we saw online.
Rich S.

The Chicago Architecture Biennial exhibit is at the Chicago Cultural Center through Feb 28, 2026, just across from Millenium Park. Interesting works were throughout. We saw a color and geometric wall, resembling a Franc Macon work that I saw online. We saw a terrific 200-ft-wide 1897 mosaic Tiffany Dome, which of course is permanent. The center of the dome shows the signs of the zodiac. In a large marble-walled rotunda hall, there is another elaborate 40-ft dome, with references to Union veterans of the civil war. For reasons we didnt discover, there was what looked like an MRI (or similar) machine under the dome. The domes are apparently quite popular for wedding photos. We had merely stumbled in (Nov 2025), and we didnt look for a brochure, so the mysteries remain. But the domes alone are worth a visit.

Cady D.

The Chicago Cultural center has beautiful architecture, art exhibits, and it's completely free to enter. Unfortunately this time there was no art exhibitions as they were still installing them, but I've been multiple times before and the exhibits are always interesting and fun to look at! There's also a gift shop with a bunch of unique things made by local artists. We still got to see the beautiful glass dome (I'm pretty sure this is the biggest Tiffany glass dome in the world).

Demor'a B.

We stopped in to visit in December to warm up and see the exhibits. It was a nice reprieve from the cold weather! I was more interested in the architecture/ design of the building than the exhibits themselves. I really enjoyed my visit and I would definitely return again!

Kendra G.

So much art to see! This is a great free thing to do in the city, I can only imagine how this center operates in the summer. The staff was nice with providing pamphlets and the view on how to view the center. I cant wait to come back!

Ceiling in one of the rooms
Anuvi G.

If you're in downtown Chicago, the Chicago cultural center is a must go in my opinion! It's close to the red line and is free! They offer tours, which I wish I had done, but even without it it's such a great building. The building itself is beautiful, with a lot of mosaic style windows and art to adorn the staircase. There was a rotating exhibit by an artist which was really cool, and they had small version of famous art work that's around Chicago on display. I saw a people sitting on the carpeted floors in some rooms doing work, which others were wandering around like me. It was a great experience and I'm telling all my friends to go next time they are there. 10/10

Plato, Homer, stairwell by south entrance
Eric H.

This gorgeous building used to be home the Chicago Public Library. It has been repurposed into a cultural center, meaning that access to the building is free during their standard open hours of 10am - 5pm daily, and that they are a space for hosting a variety of exhibits and various artist's works. Various organizations have offices here, and there are several community rooms scattered throughout the building, generally on the upper floors. There are bathrooms over pretty much every floor, so if you find yourself in a bathroom line, just go to one on a different floor. There is are two beautiful domes, one over the south part of the building, and the other over the north part of the building. The south entrance leads to the Tiffany Dome, by way of staircases and numerous, well chosen quotes. The one circumscribed underneath the Tiffany dome reads: "Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind which are delivered down from generation to generation as presents to the posterity of those who are yet unborn" --Addison In fact, in the stairwells, the domed room, and in the adjacent, you will find it extremely difficult to take a bad picture, as essentially all vantage points somehow lend themselves to have fantastic perspectives, no matter which direction you happen to look. You can spend quite a bit of time inspecting all the intricate, ornamental details, reading all the quotes, and finding all the names. I didn't find the vending machine, but there is a gift shop on one of the floors. The art exhibits here rotate; the security guards by each exhibit will warn you if you happen to walk into no-go zone, such as behind, in-between, or too-close-to a sculpture or other three dimensional artwork. Also, if you get a chance, step inside the elevator on the south end, as it has an equally detailed, tiled interior. And if you're on the outside, there is a (very large) mural on the west wall of the building. The east wall is along Michigan Ave. So come forth and enjoy what this cultural center has to offer. P.S. you may be able to hire an architecture tour docent who will tell you some nice stories and the history of different parts of the building.

Johnny Z.

The Chicago Cultural Center is such a solid stop downtown- especially because it's free. The building is beautiful (don't miss the big stained-glass dome), and it's easy to wander through for a quick visit or hang a little longer. We caught a few of their rotating art exhibits in the gallery spaces, and the kids play/activity area was a nice bonus when we needed a break. Overall, it's an easy, no-cost win if you're in the area.

Zay M.

I stopped by here around 11:35am on a Friday morning with my son and sister after leaving millennium park and waiting to go to the museum of illusions. There was free entry. They had puppets and artwork for reviewing and for sale. The dome on the 3rd floor was beautiful. It is glass and has mosaics. It was nice to see it before they begin renovations on the 1/2/25. There were several galleries that were closed. Overall, this was a nice, unexpected visit to help pass some time. There are multiple floors and ample things to look at. There is a gift shop but I found the items to be pricey. I recommend stopping by!

Dome
Nicole R.

I noticed this was right next to Millenium park and had free admission, so I randomly stopped in and I greatly enjoyed my visit! The building's architecture is incredible and there are some unique art galleries! There's also a dome on the second floor and one on the third floor that are beautiful. There's 5 floors in total to wander through.

Eilleen L.

My first time at the Chicago Cultural Center. It was very disappointing. We must have come during a transition period. There were only 2 exhibits and everything else was closed. I thought it was strange to have the majority of the building closed. Its a beautiful historic building and they were setting up for an event in the space underneath the dome. Luckily, it was free.

Christina D.

Great spot to check out! Sad I waited so long to see it. Admission is free and they have a lot more to check out than I expected. There are a lot of exhibits and some cute shops inside as well. I had a lot of fun roaming around and enjoy the beautiful tile work all around the building. The glass domes were awesome but, it was closed for a private event so I could only peak in. If you are only going to visit once I advice looking on their website or calling to see if there are any events that might limit access to what you would like to see.

Intricate work on a column
Joyce B.

History, architecture, open to the public, FREE! Step back into the time of 1892. Public libraries and public spaces were built with incredible intricacies. Check out the Chicago Cultural Center. A block away from Millennium Park. You need to cool down or warm up, or just want to dream. There are awesome free temporary exhibits. Walk up the stairs and notice the artisan work. Gaze into the Tiffany dome. The floors, the arches, the domes. Find inspiration from the quotations surrounding you. Dive into the past and let your mind wander.

See all

14 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

22 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of David E.
70
1569
0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Alan S.
786
1884
1587

1 month ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Zay M.
522
817
17886

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Patrick S.
1216
1158
5509

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 2

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mia K.
353
1028
3434

2 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 3
Love this 7
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Noor B.
2
21
15

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ino R.
198
728
7016

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0
Photo of Glen N.
796
2699
3549

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 13

Chicago Cultural Center Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Chicago Cultural Center

Any street parking nearby?

Limited street parking, if available. Metered only, and the Loop has the highest rates for metered parking. The best bet is the Grant Park/Millennium Park below level parking accessible from Michigan Avenue right out front of the Cultural Center.… Read more

View All 3 Questions

Review Highlights - Chicago Cultural Center

The intricate mosaic tiles lining entire staircases and walls, in addition to the Tiffany dome, are amazing.

Mentioned in 74 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Cultural Center 169 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

International Museum of Surgical Science

International Museum of Surgical Science

4.0
(184 reviews)
1.8 mi

Very cool museum, we needed something to do and randomly stumbled across this museum on a Google…read moresearch so we went. It was really cool! I do like museums, especially ones where I can learn stuff. My favorite area was the one covering history of plastic surgeons and the old era of fixing people's faces after war injuries, as I found it the most interesting.

I went there for an event last night, but we got full reign of the museum. We did a scavenger hunt…read moreso we got to see every inch of this place. Chicago has a bunch of these smaller niche museum, but I thought this one was one of the better ones. It's an an historic house that would have overlooked the Lake before LSD existed. The exhibits were all pretty good, but my favorite was eye care. They had some great optometry artifacts and a collection of sunglasses over the years. They also have quite a bit of original art, mostly in sculpture form which is both odd, but still important. Another thing I liked was that it wasn't overly graphic. There's a plastic surgery section that has a few slightly unsettling portraits of people maimed during WWI. I mean, I kind of felt more bad for those poor people which I think was the point. If I were to give it all a rating, it's a light PG13. If there are any downsides, the place is a little on the expensive side for its size, but they're constantly running events that include admittance. They also seem to lean on some kind of artist or researcher that does a lot of dream stuff. I didn't like his stuff as much. Also, the sections are a little disorganized, but that might be spacing in issues. Either way, this was a pretty interesting place. I'm betting they do an awesome Halloween event because it's a little spooky, but all educational. The gift shop is neat too!

Photos
Second level rooms
Second level rooms
Second level rooms
Second level rooms
Second level rooms

See all

Second level rooms
The Second City

The Second City

4.1
(1.4k reviews)
2.0 mi
$$

This was my first visit to The Second City and I can't wait to go back!…read more WHAT IS IT: This Chi town staple is a creative and fun theater that offers a rotation of improv and sketch comedy shows. The roster of well known Second City alumni includes greats like Tina Fey, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Bill Murray and more. We saw Improv Supernova and what's great about this show is that no two performances are ever the same. WHERE IS IT: The Chicago location is in the historic Old Town neighborhood which has cute shops, cafes, and restaurants in the surrounding blocks. They also have locations in Toronto and NYC. PARKING and ACCESSIBILITY: There is a garage attached to Piper's Alley. They do not validate. There is also metered street parking which can be limited depending on the day and time. The building has elevators and escalators and the theater has wheelchair accessible seating. FOOD, DRINK, and MERCH: They offer fun cocktails, mocktails, wine, food items, and a selection of candy and snacks. You can also pick up cute merch such as mugs, glasses, shirts, sweaters, and hats.

First time at an improv show, Second City was a recommendation from a friend…read more The place is really big & well decorated. We got reasonably priced tickets and headed up to the 3rd floor. The space was small and intimate but it was great being so close to the stage. Very cute little spot and fun activity with friends or a date.

Photos
The Second City
E.t.c. Theater
E.t.c. Theater
The Second City

See all

Museum of Contemporary Art - Chicago

Museum of Contemporary Art - Chicago

3.9
(626 reviews)
0.9 mi
$$

Finally visited this River North museum during my return to Chicago. Since I wasn't a CHI/IL…read moreresident, the adult ticket price was $22, however you can also opt for the Pay As You Wish option, which is essentially Suggested Donation. While the museum is 4 floors, the exhibits weren't as plentiful. The 1st floor is basically their cafe. The 2nd and 4th floors are prob the floors with more artwork. The 3rd fl felt like an "in-between" floor. Thankfully, the Yoko Ono exhibit was on display, which featured several interactive activations, like a Wish Tree or writing on a wall, which were fun. Their Museum Shop also spans from floors 1-2. I wouldn't say that this museum has the popular artists. The overall artworks are a mix of abstract, photography, and mixed media. I wouldn't recommend it as a "Must See" for tourists, personally. However, I'm an art enthusiast and still thought it was a decent museum to walk through. Perhaps opt for the Suggested Donation for this one.

I loved my experience! I really appreciate the free Tuesday nights for Illinois residents. That's…read moresuch a treat! Beautiful museum with multiple floors, excellent customer service, plenty of comfortable seating, cool gift shop, and a cafe and restaurant too. It has everything I need! The vibes are good here. I enjoyed all the floors and saw an impressive variety of art. I also wanted to see the Yoko Ono exhibit and I really enjoyed it. I appreciated how interactive it was. There were a few writing stations with activities, such as writing about your mom and taping it to the wall, and writing a wish on a tag and tying it to the wish tree. One room was blue and there were blue markers available and people were encouraged to add to it. Fabulous venue!

Photos
Takashi Murakami
Takashi Murakami
Outside
Outside
Museum of Contemporary Art - Chicago

See all

360 Chicago

360 Chicago

3.9
(1.1k reviews)
1.0 mi

Everything about Chicago 360 was absolutely fabulous! The breathtaking panoramic views of the…read moreChicago skyline and Lake Michigan from 1,000 feet up are truly unforgettable. The large windows give a perfect and clear 360 view of the Windy City. Experience: The view of the sunset was breathtaking, the sips (we had a Negroni and a prosecco) were perfect, and the spectacular firework show over Navy Pier and the lights of the city was dreamy! Note: if you want to see the firework show, make sure to book a Wednesday or Saturday experience. Service: The staff was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and eager to help, making it s stunning must experience for anyone wanting to see Chicago from above! see will be back.

I loved the views from the 94th floor. They also have a bar. We purchased the tickets in advance…read morethat included two drinks. You can sit at the hightop seating and enjoy the views. They have a restroom on the viewing level as well as one on the lower level by the cheesecake factory. If you purchase fast pass the line moves quickly. We went on a holiday around noon time. It wasn't to bad at that time. The views were amazing. So glad we decided to do this. They take pictures upon arrival which is optional to purchase. They also have a gift shop for purchases. Very nice chill atmosphere and it was fun to experience and take plenty of pictures that included the beach as well.

Photos
Gorgeous views.
Gorgeous views.
Drinks from the bar at the 360
Drinks from the bar at the 360
360 CHICAGO

See all

360 CHICAGO
Open House Chicago

Open House Chicago

4.7
(27 reviews)
0.3 mi

Open House Chicago is one of the favorite weekends of my annual Chicago calendar. On a Saturday and…read moreSunday every October, you can visit so many unique places throughout Chicago - all for free! My lovely wife and I will even volunteer for a few hours every year at one of the sites, it really gives you an opportunity to enjoy a venue in detail while experiencing the energy of the visitors whether they are locals or visitors from afar. Thank You Chicago Architecture Center for spearheading this annual architecture fest! Hey it's not just about architecture, but every year some prestigious architecture firms open their doors to curious visitors. You can visit some amazing spaces, rooftops, spaces, and you are sure to be wowed by the views of our great city.

I wish I thought to try Open House Chicago before. I'm not sure how I missed it all these years. I…read morewalked through some of the South Loop architectures. They tried to make it interactive. There was something for everyone. There was a group tour at the Glessner House. They have music performances and holiday events. The Second Presbyterian Church had some amazing Tiffany stained glass windows that could not be seen from the outside. From the outside, it was covered by plexi glass. What a treasure trove. The South Asia Institute, I had no idea that it exists. We saw an environment focused exhibit on bird migration and an exhibit of women artists' work. There is a big lecture space so something to look out for. I did not know that the Wheeler Mansion is a boutique hotel. The rooms are fancy. There was plenty of art there for those who enjoy art. We had apple cider at the McCormick Place Rooftop Farm. It was bigger than I thought. They had edible flowers for tasting and I tried nasturtium (a little spicy), marigold, and pansy (light flavor). They even gave us each a pack of wildflower seeds. I took some milkweed, so hopefully will see some Monarch butterflies next year. All these places were walkable from each other. All in all, a wonderful day and experience.

Photos
Avalon Theatre, October 2022.
Avalon Theatre, October 2022.
2nd Presbyterian Church
2nd Presbyterian Church
Avalon Theatre, October 2022.

See all

Avalon Theatre, October 2022.

Chicago Cultural Center - culturalcenter - Updated June 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...