The Chicago Cultural Center is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Center is closed on public holidays: New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
You can avoid crowds at the Chicago Cultural Center in the morning before noon and later in the evening after 6:00 PM.
Founded in 1897 as the city's first public library and a Civil War memorial, the building of the Chicago Cultural Center itself is a masterpiece. Discover the fascinating history of the Center's construction while admiring breathtaking interiors. Learn more about the symbolism behind the building's details, from Carrara marble from Italy and mosaics to the largest Tiffany stained-glass dome and rare iron gates.
The Chicago Cultural Center is a perfect place to explore the history of Chicago. Learn more about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 in the Landmarks Gallery or visit one of the temporary exhibitions on art or architecture.
The Center also invites everyone to participate in special events and educational programs. For example, you can visit the interactive studio Learning Lab, where you can meet an actual artist and learn about art firsthand. If you're a movie lover, come to the Claudia Cassidy Theater Screenings to experience cinema from all over the world.
The Chicago Cultural Center is located at 78 East Washington, across from Millennium Park.
You can take an elevated train to the Washington/Wabash station or a subway train to the Lake station or the Washington station. Walk east from the stations.
In addition, you can take the following buses to Michigan Avenue: 3, 4, 19, 20, 26, 60, 66, 124, 143, 147, 151, and 157. Alternatively, you can take bus routes 4, J14, 20, 56, 66, and 147 to Washington Street.
Explore the heritage of the Chicago Cultural Center with the self-guided walking tour Architecture of Urban Chicago. The expert tour guide will navigate you through the city's most fascinating buildings and let you immerse yourself in the history of Chicago.
Tickets are not required to enter the Chicago Cultural Center.