Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago

Opened in 1991 and named after Chicago鈥檚 first African American mayor, the Harold Washington Library Center emerged as the winning project of a high-profile design competition in 1988. Out of all the flashy contenders, this one went full traditionalist鈥攚ith a twist. Architect Thomas Beeby cooked up a Neoclassical-inspired concoction that tips its hat to the past but avoids slavish adherence to all its stuffy architectural rules.

From the outside, the building is granite, brick, and just the right amount of whimsical, assuming the role of a uniquely postmodern tribute to Chicago's architectural heritage. The robust and textured ground level pays homage to the Rookery Building, while the stepped-back, upper windows echo the grand arched balconies in the Auditorium Theatre. The swirling terra-cotta ornamentation takes inspiration from the Marquette Building, and the glass curtain wall on the west side is a nod to sleek 1950s modernism. Oh, and let鈥檚 not forget the cherry on top: massive metal owls perched on the roof, ready to offer either sage advice or perhaps just some hoots of wisdom with passive-aggressive stares.

But here鈥檚 the kicker鈥攖he real 鈥渨ow鈥� moment isn鈥檛 at the front door. It鈥檚 nine floors up. Ride the elevator to the Winter Garden, a sun-drenched atrium that feels more like a peaceful plaza than the top of a library. Right below, the 8th floor accommodates practice rooms for musicians and serves as a venue for listening to rare recordings or playing the piano. The second floor鈥檚 old library space (now known as the Cultural Center) is equally captivating, featuring the world's largest Tiffany dome within its splendid chamber. The kids鈥� library is a sprawling 18,000-square-foot wonderland complete with the wall-mounted figures by Chicago Imagist Karl Wirsum, while the walkway above the main lobby displays works by renowned Chicago artists. Ultimately, every floor here has surprises鈥攑oetry, exhibits, and enough character to fill several novels.

And yes, it鈥檚 officially in the Guinness Book as the world鈥檚 largest public library.

Pro tip:
Head straight to the 9th floor. Trust us. Glass ceilings never looked so liberating.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Harold Washington Library Center
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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