Open House Chicago Invites Exploration Of Historical and Architectural Marvels

 

During an October weekend each fall, the Chicago Architecture Center welcomes the community to visit dozens of architecturally, historically, and culturally significant structures throughout the city for free. On October 19, we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day wandering through a number of truly interesting structures in Chicago.

With dozens of structures beckoning for exploration throughout Chicago's neighborhoods, advance planning made deciding on which ones we visited much easier. We planned our route ahead of time making it flexible in case we needed to change the flow for the day. For our visit, we focused on the downtown area. We were pretty impressed with the buildings we visited and learned a lot more about the treasures we have in the city. Enjoy a look at our Chicago discoveries:

Teatro ZinZanni

Our first Open House Chicago adventure transported us to the magical world under the big top at Teatro ZinZanni. Teatro ZinZanni is a show fusing circus, cabaret, and comedy. Immediately upon walking into the theatre, guests are transported to a fanciful world crafted with weathered brick, crystal chandeliers, and stained glass windows. Walking inside the big top, we were immediately captivated by the intimate theater with soft lighting, a glistening moon, crystal ball chandeliers, and a big top rising above. Truly magical!

The magical world of Teatro ZinZanni.

1 North Dearborn

Chicago skyline view from 1 North Dearborn rooftop.

After our whimsical adventure exploring  Teatro ZinZanni, we hopped into an elevator to soak in skyline views from the deck at 1 North Dearborn. The deck features a vegetable garden, beehive, lawn games, and a bar. The 1905 building originally housed the Boston Store.

Vegetable garden on the rooftop of 1 North Dearborn.

University Club of Chicago

University Club of Chicago draws its roots from a small group of university graduates wishing to establish a meeting place. The Club received a charter in 1887 and developed a mission to foster literature and the arts. By 1906, the group inhabited a gothic skyscraper at 76 E Dearborn where the Club is still found today. During our visit to University Club of Chicago, we experienced the magnificence of the Cathedral Room. 

Upon entering the Cathedral Room complete with a lofty, buttressed ceiling and impressive stained glass windows visitors, all seemed to pause in awe. Stained glass windows through out the hall represent the colleges. Sunlight really enhanced the experience, beautifully lighting up each window really highlighting the artistry of the room. The arches of the buttresses added a gothic touch. In addition to the magnificent cathedral setting, University Club of Chicago also boasts a fantastic view of Lake Michigan.

Sunlight beaming through the stained glass windows inside
 the University Club of Chicago's Cathedral Room 

The Cliff Dwellers Club

Originally founded in 1907, The Cliff Dwellers Club has supported the performing and fine arts for over 100 years. The club inhabits the top floor of Orchestra Hall and offers breathtaking views. As a patron of the arts, The Cliff Dwellers Club hosts performances and exhibitions. In fact, there was an artist exhibition during our visit. Of all of the views we saw during our Open House Chicago day, I felt the one at The Cliff Dwellers Club was showstopping.

Breathtaking Chicago and Lake Michigan view from atop The Cliff Dwellers Club.

Stantec Architecture

Visiting Stantec Architecture's Chicago office provided a unique behind-the-scenes look at where some of the most breathtaking buildings across the country are designed. While exploring the Stantec office, we were able to see models and designs as well as talk to Stantec architects. I love that this year's Open House Chicago included a look at how remarkable structures are designed to add to the experience of exploring incredible structures as well.

Models on display at Stantec Architecture.

Fine Arts Building

The Fine Arts Building began as the Studebaker Carriage Company in 1885. The factory was renowned as a model carriage factory in the USA. When Studebaker decided to move operations in 1895, the company invested in renovating the original structure into an artist community.  Since 1898, the Fine Arts Building has in fact been a haven for artists. Throughout the building, signage describes the art history cultivated inside. 

The entire Fine Arts Building is a piece of art in itself including the elevators.

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Money Museum

Stately columns rise to the ceiling with gold designs and chandeliers inside the
 Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago inhabits a remarkable building constructed in 1922. The main hall complete with columns, chandeliers, and a magnificent ceiling design quickly impresses. The accompanying Money Museum holds a surprising number of exhibits focusing on money including money throughout US history. Of course, visitors love the block of money totaling $1,000,000!!!

A cube of $1,000,000 inside the Money Museum.

Celebrating Architecture, History, and Culture During Open House Chicago

During Open House Chicago, an amazing cache of notable structures across Chicago opens their doors to allow visitors to enjoy a behind-the-scenes view. We were definitely wowed by our experience exploring a number of Chicago's most renowned buildings. Our adventure was enhanced by meeting guides knowledgeable about the buildings as well as self guided tours. Truly an amazing day in the city! We are looking forward to Open House Chicago 2025 which will take place October 18-19, 2025.