Chicago Public Library/Cultural Center

Washington and Michigan Ave. Elevations, circa 1900></A>
            
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	<TD VALIGN=    Address: 78 E. Washington St.
Year Built: 1897
Architect: Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: November 15, 1976

Illuminated Dome, photo by James R. Norris/Holabird & Root This is the first permanent structure of the city's public library system. Designed to be a grand civic building, its Classical Revival-style exterior appearance and its interior spaces are based on classical Greek and Italian Renaissance precedents. The interior is extensively decorated with mosaics, marbles, bronze, and two stained-glass domes designed by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. The building's architect was the Boston firm that succeeded the office of Henry Hobson Richardson, designer of the Glessner House.

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Grand Staircase, 1976, photo by Barbara Crane

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Boul Mich Tour
The Loop Tour
Great Interiors Tour
 
1. Washington and Michigan Ave. Elevations, circa 1900
2. Illuminated Dome, photo by James R. Norris/Holabird & Root
3. Grand Staircase, 1976, photo by Barbara Crane

 
 
 

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