Open House Chicago

Chicago is home to some of the best architecture. There are beautiful buildings everywhere you look and in October, the Chicago Architecture Center hosts Open House Chicago which opens up over a hundred buildings for people to walk into and explore that they can’t regularly do. Here are some great buildings that I had the opportunity to explore.

1. House of Blues- Foundation Room VIP Club

This the VIP Club at the House of Blues venue in Marina City. Only members have access to this lounge and being able to explore it was something I’ve always wanted to do.

2. Monroe Building

One of the older buildings in Chicago built in 1912 which is significant for its steel frame and terracotta and granite material.

3. Pritzker Military Museum & Library

The Monroe building also contains the Pritzker Military Museum & Library on its 2nd and 4th floor.

4. Sky-Line Club

This Club is one of the oldest private membership facilities in the city with a stunning view from its rooftop terrace.

5. Essex on the Park

This was one of my favorite locations. Essex was the first building in Chicago to receive WELL Certification for healthy living and had a beautiful garden and infinity pool overlooking Grant Park.

6. DePaul University Merle Reskin Theatre

The Theatre School at DePaul acquired and renovated the theater in 1988 and is one of the oldest theater programs in the region.

7. Baha’i Temple House of Worship

This temple is located North of Chicago in a suburb called Wilmette. This temple was opened in 1953.

8. Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park

The pavilion is in the center of Millennium Park where the structure hosts tons of music, festivals and movies events throughout the year.

9. Chicago Board of Trade

This building is prominent in the financial district of Chicago and was rebuilt on the same site where the earlier Chicago Board of Trade Building was built.

10. Old Chicago Inn featuring Room 13

This 1920’s themed bed and breakfast has very comforting style, but there’s hidden bar in the basement for members only who know the password.