Our City Expert's Tips

It's worth stopping here early in your trip; the city's Office of Tourism runs a visitor's center in the lobby, and it's a good place to pick up maps, information on tours, bus and train schedules, etc. But the building itself, which used to be a public library, is worth taking a quick walk around. The elegant, neoclassical structure looks more like a palace than a library, and a second-floor reception room has one of the largest Tiffany glass domes in the world.

Hotel Sax Tip
As one of the most comprehensive free arts showcases in the United States, this landmark building is the setting for hundreds of programs and exhibitions presented annually by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Through collaborative programming, admission-free exhibitions and programs covering a wide range of the performing, visual, and literary arts are presented on practically every day of the year. The building's most notable features are its spectacular stained-glass domes. The 38-foot dome in the Preston Bradley Hall in the south end of the building is the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, valued at an estimated $35 million. In the north end of the building, the stained-glass dome in the G.A.R. Rotunda was executed in an intricate Renaissance pattern. Tours meet in the Randolph Street lobby.
Free Public Group Tours
Gaze at the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, as well as beautifully ornate multi-colored mosaics, marble and molding during guided architectural tours of the Chicago Cultural Center. Tours are presented Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1:15pm. Tours meet in the Randolph Street lobby. The group will be limited to the first twenty people. Across the street from Millennium Park.


Musical Journey
Free classical concerts are held every Wednesday at 12:15pm.

Tips From Other Travelers