If you’ve ever been to Chicago, you know it has some of the best architecture of any city in the United States. Every time I walk around downtown, my head is constantly swiveling as I admire the incredible buildings.
One of my favorites is the iconic Tribune Tower, which was once home to the Chicago Tribune newspaper and WGN Radio. I was fortunate enough to visit many times to record Bob Sirott’s morning show. Today, the building has been converted into luxury residences, so you’re technically not supposed to wander into the lobby anymore.
That’s a shame because the lobby walls are carved with famous quotations from Benjamin Franklin, Voltaire, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison celebrating freedom of the press.
But you don’t need to go inside to appreciate one of its coolest features. Embedded into the exterior are more than 100 fragments from famous landmarks around the world, including a piece of Paris’ Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stone from India’s Taj Mahal, a section of the Great Wall of China, a fragment of the Berlin Wall and even a tile from the Sydney Opera House. It’s like taking a mini trip around the world without leaving Chicago.
If you’re into architecture, I highly recommend adding Tribune Tower to your Michigan Avenue stroll. And while you’re at it, don’t miss one of Chicago’s famous architecture boat tours which depart nearby on the Chicago River. We did one last summer and absolutely loved it. You can read about our experience here.
But one place I had somehow never even heard of, let alone visited, was the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.), located directly across from Millennium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, better known as “The Bean.”
The Chicago Cultural Center is often called “The People’s Palace,” and after walking through its doors, I immediately understood why. The historic building is home to two breathtaking stained-glass domes, including the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. Inside you’ll also find grand marble staircases, beautiful mosaics, rotating art exhibitions and free cultural programming throughout the year.
What really surprised me was how different each side of the building felt. One wing reflects European-inspired architecture, while the other showcases a more American design. Originally completed in 1897 as Chicago’s first public library and Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, it has welcomed countless visitors over the years, including President Barack Obama.
Even better, admission is completely free and on hot summer days it doubles as a cooling center thanks to its wonderfully air-conditioned interior. In fact, it was so chilly inside that I was glad I had a sweater.
As if that wasn’t enough, directly across the street at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival was in full swing. The two-day festival is free and celebrates the city’s deep gospel roots with uplifting performances from nationally known artists and local choirs. Chicago always seems to have an incredible festival or concert happening somewhere. While we were there, crews were already setting up nearby Grant Park for this weekend’s Lollapalooza.
I’ll admit, gospel music isn’t something we normally listen to, but this festival may have changed that. The atmosphere was infectious, the performers were outstanding and the music was truly soul-stirring. See video above.
One preacher, wearing an LA Dodgers hat, completely captivated the audience. His message was so powerful that nearly everyone around us, myself included, had their hands raised in the air. It was one of those unexpected travel moments that ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
KEEP READING:
–7 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Chicago
–4 Family-Friendly Italian Restaurants in Chicago
–This One-of-a-Kind Chicago McDonald’s Lets You Sample Global Favorites
