Get us in your inbox

Search

10 new places to visit during Open House Chicago

Zach Long
Written by
Zach Long
Advertising

This weekend, buildings all over Chicago will open their doors to the public as part of Open House Chicago, an annual celebration of design and exploration organized by the Chicago Architectural Foundation. For anyone who has ever wanted to see the view from the top of a skyscraper in the Loop or traipse through a historic building, it's two days of wish fulfillment. Did we mention that it's entirely free? This year, some new neighborhoods have joined the Open House Chicago roster, including sites in Ukrainian Village, Edgewater, Bronzeville and Lincoln Square. We picked ten new locations that we're excited to explore over the weekend. Check back on Sunday and Monday for photos.

Warwick Allerton Hotel (701 N Michigan Ave) This Michigan Ave hotel was recently purchased by Warwick Hotels, which plans to restore the building in the coming years. This weekend, visitors can take a peek at the Tip Top Tap, a defunct lounge in the building's turrets that boasts amazing views of the Magnificent Mile. (Sat 9am–3pm, Sun 9am–5pm)

Sky-Line Club (307 N Michigan Ave) Step in one of the city's oldest private clubs, originally an old ale house in the Sussex region of southern England that was dismantled and reconstructed atop the Old Republic Building. (Sat 9am–3:30pm, Sun 9am–4:30pm)

First Church of Deliverance (4315 S. Wabash Ave) Known for its bright lime-green exterior accents, this Bronzeville church's interior (which features a gigantic ceiling-mounted cross) is even more striking. (Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 2pm–5pm)

S. R. Crown Hall (3360 S State St) Home to the Illinois Institute of Technology’s College of Architecture, this modern influential structure was designed by Mies van der Rohe to accommodate an open floor plan that allows for a variety of uses. (Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–5pm)

Meyer Ace Hardware (315 E 35th St) Once owned by Louis Armstrong and Al Capone, this building housed the legendary Sunset Café, a jazz club that hosted the likes of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Cab Calloway. Now it's a hardware store, but visitors can still view the erstwhile venue's stage. (Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–5pm)

Edgewater Beach Apartment (5555 N Sheridan Rd) We're big fans of this huge, pink Edgewater landmark. It ranked highly on our list of the city's most beautiful buildings. This weekend, you'll be able to go inside and check out the former hotel's pool and indoor terrace. (Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–5pm)

Groupon (600 W Chicago Ave) Filled with with swing sets, an "enchanted forest" and a cat in a spaceship, the Groupon office looks more like a theme park than a place where business is done. You'll probably develop some office envy after taking a tour of the e-commerce giant's HQ. (Sat 10am–4pm)

Wright Auction House (1440 W Hubbard St) There's nothing particularly exciting about the Wright Auction House itself, but the stuff housed inside the 40,000 building is incredible. You'll see contemporary furniture, sculptures and more in this expansive collection of goods. (Sat 10am–5pm)

Park Gables Apartments (2428-2484 W Estes Ave) This picturesque apartment complex looks like something that belongs in the European countryside, but visitors will be able to view its hidden secret: an indoor swimming pool. (Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–5pm)

Sts. Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church (739 N Oakley Blvd) Go under the dome of this Ukrainian Village church and take in its ornate altar, stunning stained glass windows and vibrant color scheme. (Sat 12pm–5pm, Sun 1pm–5pm)

RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Open House Chicago

You may also like
You may also like
Advertising