Chicago Cultural Center - a National Treasure

Duration: 1h and 30min
Languages: English
Guru: Lynn
Quality Verified Registered on August 21, 2022

IF YOU DO NOT SEE A TOUR ON A DAY OR AT A TIME THAT WORKS FOR YOU, PLEASE MESSAGE ME WITH YOUR REQUEST AND I WILL DO MY BEST TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR SCHEDULE. Hello. My name is Lynn. I have been guiding guests in Chicago for 20 years. I completed rigorous training from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, and the historic Glessner House. Born and raised in the Chicago area I am a former teacher. As a tour guide, I now have the best classroom (Chicago) and the best students (my guests). I would love to share my favorite city with you. So, join me; won’t you? If you don't find a tour at a day or time that works for you, please let me know and I will do my best to add a tour to accommodate your schedule.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

(If you prefer another day or time, please contact me with your availability. I will do the best to accommodate your schedule.)

What do the Great Chicago Fire and Queen Victoria have to do with the Chicago Cultural center? Everything. Take my tour and find out.

I will take you through more than 120 years of Chicago history and explain why the Chicago Cultural Center - our former Public Library was designated a Chicago Landmark and placed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

You will see the world's 2 largest Louis Comfort Tiffany glass domes, and the elegance of the newly restored Grand Army of the Republic Hall. We will stroll through the former reference, periodicals, and circulation rooms now used as art galleries and event venues.

You will read inspirational quotes by such notables as John Milton, Francis Bacon, and Victor Hugo among others and inspiring statements in Chinese, Egyptian, Hebrew, Persian, Greek Spanish, French, Italian, Latin, and German all created in breathtaking mosaics.

You'll be introduced to the resident ghosts, how the building played a role in a Hollywood movie, and learn how this treasure just missed the wrecking ball.  Come for the tour; stay until the end for a surprise. 

NOTE: On rare occasions a room may be in use for a private event and unavailable to view.

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    77 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
    77 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
    View on map

    I'll be waiting for you you on the Randolph Street steps of the Chicago Cultural Center. I will be carrying a red umbrella.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Outside the Randolph St Entrance
  • 2
    Outside visit
    View of Cultural Center architecture
  • 3
    Outside visit
    Randolph St Lobby
  • 4
    Outside visit
    Visitors Center
  • 5
    Outside visit
    Michigan Ave Galleries
  • 6
    Outside visit
    GAR Memorial Hall on 2nd Floor
  • 7
    Outside visit
    Sidney R Yates Galleries 4th Floor
  • 8
    Outside visit
    Preston Bradley Hall
  • 9
    Outside visit
    5th Floor Washington St side
  • 10
    Outside visit
    Washington St Lobby
  • 11
    Outside visit
    Outside Washington St Lobby
  • 12
    Outside visit
    Garland Court - outside west side of Chicago Cultural Center

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

14 ratings
5.0
By category
Professionalism
5.0
Fun
5.0
Expression
5.0
Quality
5.0
Route
4.92
Generic
5 stars
14
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Suzanne 15 May 2023
Montreal

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2023
My husband and I had a private tour with Lynn in the Chicago Cultural Centre, she was a very good guide. I recommend Lynn for your tour. Very professional!
Alessandra 12 May 2023
San José

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2023
Excelente muy fácil de entenderse i gles, muy divertida. La recomiendo ampmiamente
Antonio 07 May 2023
Toronto

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2023
Very informativa and special treat at the end
Laura 07 May 2023
Buenos Aires

Verified booking
Travelled alone - May 2023
Lynn es una muy agradable persona. Cumplió ampliamente mis espectativas. Me brindó tips extras para disfrutar la ciudad. Lástima no quedarme mas tiempo y realizar otros circuitos con ella.
SERENA 23 Apr 2023
Treviso

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Apr 2023
Thank you Lynn for your kindness and your amazing guided tour!!
Show 14 reviews

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts reservations up to 8 people.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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