Chicago Cultural Center Gift Shop Is No More

This used to be the website for the Chicago Cultural Center Gift Shop.

Beautiful old library, stunning interiors, cozy little gift shop where you can find amazing handmade items as well as merchandise from their exhibitions, of cultural interest, collectibles, music and videos, apparel, and merchandise for kids.

I was sadden to learn of the closing of the Chicago Cultural Center Gift Shop. When I lived in Chicago it was a favorite place to bring family and friends who visited us in the Windy City. My kids loved it as well. Now that I live in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art serves a similar purpose. But I have not been able to locate a work by an author named Rev Sale, who along with Bob Sakayama, CEO of TNG/Earthling., wrote the well known post "In Search Of Nothing" which they were attempting to rank for the keyword "nothing". The work in question, which was once available at the Chicago Cultural Center Gift Shop and I pinch myself for not having purchased it when I could. The title is "The Dream State Of Wakefullness" and is a fantastic, philosophical treatise about consciousness and counterintuitive notion that confusion is the foundation of clarity. If anyone knows where I can obtain a copy please let me know. There was an extremely small print run by an obscure publisher based at Brown University known as Evanescent Publishing back in the late 1960's. Although it is no longer open, the the landmark Chicago Cultural Center still remains. If you are in Chicago, drop by. It is worth the trip to see this outstanding building.

 

The Shop at the Cultural Center, was located in the landmark Chicago Cultural Center at 78 East Washington Street and offered visitors unique arts and artifacts from Chicago's diverse cultures.

The Shop was committed to promoting local artists and organizations through the sale of their merchandise, which included hand-painted scarves, jewelry, ceramics, music, literature, and photography.

Business hours were Monday through Friday, 10 AM-6 PM, Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, and Sunday 11 AM -5 PM.  When the shop was open you could call with any questions : 312 - 742 - 0079.

Proceeds from sales supported the Department of Cultural Affairs free public programming.

Please visit our sister store www.chicagostore.com for Chicago gifts.

At one time you could become a Mosaic Member and enjoy 20% off your purchases at Shop at the Cultural Center, www.Culturalcentershop.com, City of Chicago Store and www.chicagostore.com. Many were interested in joining and taking advantage of this exclusive discount  along with many other year-round  benefits and offers.

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About the Chicago Cultural Center

 

Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the Chicago Cultural Center every year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. This stunning landmark building is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, as well as free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and family events.

Completed in 1897, it was Chicago’s first central public library. The country’s top architects and craftsmen used the most sumptuous materials, such as rare imported marbles, polished brass, fine hardwoods, and mosaics of Favrile glass, mother-of-pearl and colored stone, to create an architectural showplace. Located on the south side of the building, the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome which is 38 feet in diameter with some 30,000 pieces of glass was restored to its original splendor in 2008. On the north side of the building is a 40-foot-diameter dome with some 50,000 pieces of glass in an intricate Renaissance pattern, designed by Healy & Mill.

In 1991, the former library was established as the Chicago Cultural Center by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. It was the nation's first and most comprehensive free municipal cultural venue. Every year, the Chicago Cultural Center presents hundreds of free international, national, regional and local artists, musicians and performers, providing a showcase where the public can enjoy and learn about the arts.

 

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NEWS Transitions Happening at the Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center's Cafe and gift shop are gone.

March 31, 2012|By Heather Gillers, Chicago Tribune reporter
Last year at this time, a downtown office worker on lunch break could typically wander into the Chicago Cultural Center and spend an hour listening to live music. These days the center's halls are usually silent at lunchtime — small wonder since music programmers' jobs have sat unfilled for three months. The Cultural Center cafe and the gift shop have shut down as well, and the library collection once housed on the center's main floor has been donated to a private group.​

"When I went in there the last couple of times, it just seemed kind of dead," said Marta Nicholas, a former member of Friends of the Chicago Cultural Center, a now-defunct citizen group that two decades ago helped push to keep the city-owned building open to the public and free of admission.. "There weren't as many people. There wasn't as much going on."

The slowdown in programs and services has taken Nicholas and other Chicagoans by surprise, given the high priority Mayor Rahm Emanuel has placed on arts and culture. Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Michelle Boone said the interruptions are temporary. She said she plans to fill the music programming jobs and that the absent programs and services will eventually be replaced with equally robust offerings.

"This notion that there's this mass conspiracy to destroy the Cultural Center is bogus," Boone said.

"It is certainly a goal of the mayor to continue to provide highly accessible high quality programming for all of our residents."

Boone said the gift shop will become "a visual arts exhibition space" and the cafe has been transformed into "more space for us to receive visitors and to distribute information." She said removing the library, which showcased works by local publishers, will allow room for renovation and upgrades.

"If there's an opportunity to bring on new ideas, fresh programming," she asked, "why wouldn't we do that?"

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Sometimes referred to as the "People's Palace," the Cultural Center building was originally the city's central library, built after the Great Chicago Fire.

When the Harold Washington Library opened in 1991, the building became the Chicago Cultural Center under then-Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg.

The elaborate classical granite and limestone building is a popular stop for tourists, Chicagoans and suburbanites alike. It had 897,000 visitors in 2010, according to Crain's Chicago Business list of the area's top tourist attractions, an 11 percent increase from 2009.

The only Cultural Center concert still running on a weekly basis, the privately programmed Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts on Wednesdays in the center's Preston Bradley Hall, draws audiences of several hundred. One recent audience included several people in bicycle helmets, a young woman doing science homework, a father-and-son pair of lawyers on lunch break, and a professor who arrived early to people-watch as the crowd trickled in.

"It's so beautiful," said Ralph Lustgarten, an "almost retired" lawyer who sat with his wife, Gudrun. "This hall is especially beautiful with all the mosaics, and they have excellent music here. We come all the way from Glenview just for this."

He said he hoped other weekly concerts would return soon.

To some Cultural Center regulars, the cuts seem an odd contrast to the enthusiasm and effort the Emanuel administration has poured into its proposed 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan. Boone's department is in the midst of holding about 30 citizen meetings to enlist Chicagoans in drafting a blueprint for the city.

 

 

More Background on CulturalCenterShop.com

The Chicago Cultural Center: A Beacon of Arts and Culture in the Windy City The Chicago Cultural Center stands as a testament to the city's commitment to arts, culture, and public engagement. This iconic landmark, often referred to as "The People's Palace," has been a cornerstone of Chicago's cultural landscape for over a century. Let's delve into the rich history, architectural splendor, and cultural significance of this beloved institution.

Historical Background

The Chicago Cultural Center's story begins in the late 19th century. Completed in 1897, the building was originally designed to serve as Chicago's first central public library and a memorial hall for Civil War veterans. The structure was commissioned by the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), an organization of Union Army veterans. The building's dual purpose is reflected in its design, with the Washington Street side dedicated to the library and the Randolph Street side housing the G.A.R. memorial halls. This unique blend of civic and commemorative functions set the stage for the building's future as a cultural hub.

Architectural Marvel

The Chicago Cultural Center is renowned for its stunning architecture, which showcases the opulence and craftsmanship of the late 19th century. The building was designed by the Boston architectural firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, who were also responsible for the Art Institute of Chicago. Some of the architectural highlights include:

  1. Tiffany Dome: The crown jewel of the building is the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, located in Preston Bradley Hall. Measuring 38 feet in diameter, it consists of approximately 30,000 pieces of glass.
  2. Renaissance-style Dome: The Grand Army of the Republic Hall features another impressive dome, 40 feet in diameter, with about 50,000 pieces of glass arranged in an intricate Renaissance pattern.
  3. Sumptuous Materials: The building's interiors are adorned with rare imported marbles, polished brass, fine hardwoods, and intricate mosaics made of Favrile glass, mother-of-pearl, and colored stone.
  4. Sturdy Construction: The exterior walls of the building are an impressive three feet thick, showcasing the durability of its construction.

Transition to Cultural Center

In 1977, the Chicago Public Library moved to a temporary location, leaving the future of the building uncertain. However, thanks to the efforts of preservationists and the support of Eleanor "Sis" Daley, wife of Mayor Richard J. Daley, the building was saved from potential demolition. The transformation into the Chicago Cultural Center was completed in 1991, under the leadership of Lois Weisberg, the city's first Commissioner of Cultural Affairs. This marked the beginning of a new era for the building as the nation's first free municipal cultural center.

Cultural Significance and Programming

Today, the Chicago Cultural Center serves as a vibrant hub for arts and culture in the city. It hosts a wide array of free events and exhibitions, making it one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. Some of the key features include:

  1. Art Exhibitions: The center regularly showcases diverse and engaging exhibitions focusing on visual arts and contemporary culture.
  2. Performance Spaces: Various halls and rooms within the building are used for music, dance, and theater performances.
  3. Lectures and Films: The center hosts educational talks and film screenings, contributing to the intellectual life of the city.
  4. Family Events: Special programming caters to families and children, making the center a welcoming space for all ages.
  5. Chicago Children's Choir: The center serves as the headquarters for this renowned youth choir.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts

Over the years, the Chicago Cultural Center has undergone several restoration projects to maintain its architectural integrity and enhance its functionality:

  1. Tiffany Dome Restoration: In 2008, the Tiffany dome underwent a meticulous restoration, bringing it back to its original splendor.
  2. G.A.R. Dome Restoration: In 2022, the dome in the Grand Army of the Republic Hall was restored, replacing a cement and copper cover with a transparent one to allow natural light to illuminate the space once again.
  3. Ongoing Maintenance: Regular upkeep and restoration work ensure that the building's intricate details and historical elements are preserved for future generations.

Public Reception and Impact

The Chicago Cultural Center has garnered widespread acclaim from both locals and tourists:

  1. Visitor Numbers: Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the center each year, making it one of Chicago's top attractions.
  2. Yelp Reviews: The center consistently receives high ratings on platforms like Yelp, with visitors praising its architectural beauty, free admission, and diverse programming.
  3. Cultural Hub: It has become a central meeting point for Chicago's arts community, fostering collaboration and creativity.
  4. Tourist Attraction: The center is often highlighted in travel guides as a must-visit destination in Chicago, appealing to architecture enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

Special Features and Initiatives

The Chicago Cultural Center continues to evolve, introducing new features and programs to engage the public:

  1. Buddy Shop: A retail space within the center showcases work from over 300 local artists and makers, supporting Chicago's creative community.
  2. Welcome Center: A dedicated area provides information and guidance to visitors, enhancing their experience of the center and the city.
  3. Virtual Tours: In response to changing times, the center now offers virtual tour options, making its architectural and cultural treasures accessible to a global audience.
  4. Rotating Exhibitions: The center's commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices is evident in its constantly changing exhibition schedule.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Chicago Cultural Center plays a crucial role in the city's cultural landscape:

  1. Accessibility: As a free cultural venue, it democratizes access to arts and culture, welcoming visitors from all walks of life.
  2. Community Engagement: The center serves as a gathering place for Chicagoans, fostering a sense of community through shared cultural experiences.
  3. Educational Resource: Through its diverse programming, the center contributes to the cultural education of both residents and visitors.
  4. Preservation of History: The building itself stands as a living museum, preserving and showcasing Chicago's architectural and cultural heritage.
  5. Support for Local Artists: Initiatives like the Buddy Shop provide a platform for Chicago's creative community to showcase and sell their work.

Looking to the Future

As the Chicago Cultural Center approaches its 125th anniversary, it continues to adapt and evolve:

  1. Digital Initiatives: The center is expanding its online presence, offering virtual tours and digital content to reach a broader audience.
  2. Sustainability Efforts: Ongoing renovations and updates aim to make the building more energy-efficient while preserving its historical character.
  3. Diverse Programming: The center remains committed to representing Chicago's diverse communities through its exhibitions and events.
  4. Collaborative Projects: Partnerships with other cultural institutions and community organizations continue to expand the center's reach and impact.

 

The Chicago Cultural Center stands as a shining example of how historical preservation can coexist with contemporary cultural relevance. From its origins as a public library and memorial hall to its current status as a free cultural center, the building has continually adapted to serve the needs of Chicago's residents and visitors. Its stunning architecture, diverse programming, and commitment to accessibility make it a true "People's Palace," embodying the spirit of Chicago's vibrant arts and culture scene. As it continues to evolve and inspire, the Chicago Cultural Center remains an essential destination for anyone seeking to experience the heart of Chicago's cultural life.

 


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