Open House Chicago

This yearly event hosted by the Chicago Architecture Foundation was the perfect excuse to strap on my backpack and dig out my camera and be a tourist for the day. Not that I need an excuse... the city is so filled with history and art that even the most street smart and city savvy Chicagoan has plenty to learn and nothing to lose by taking advantage of the 150 FREE architectural sites all across Chicago this weekend (Oct 18-19).

The most difficult thing for me was getting started. Where to begin??? The map was speckled with red dots like a red-headed kid in the summertime. What would be the most interesting sites to see that required the least amount of waiting time? I decided that next year, I would plan out my weekend better. It might be helpful to pick a theme: Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, churches, only places built before the turn of the century.... or, you could always do what I did and just go downtown to see what you find. Potential problem with this is (of course) that's where ALL of the other people go who haven't planned out their day, either.

I was immediately drawn to the Warwick Allerton Hotel's Tip Top Tap, which is located on Michigan Avenue and it is said to have incredible views of downtown that haven't been open to the public in 60 years. From my understanding, it has been open for private parties, but unless you're one of the Chicago elite, you probably haven't seen the inside.  Unfortunately, I wasn't the only one who was intrigued - - when I got there, the line was around the block, so I decided to move on.

I continued walking down Michigan Ave after picking up a paper guide showing all of the spots open for the weekend.  The first thing I came upon that didn't have an insane line was the Skyline Club. Whilst waiting in line, I realized that certain people were jumping to the front. This was not, as I first assumed, because they were big jerks. They had actually purchased a "front of line" pass from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. You can save time (and I've heard that time is $!) by purchasing your fast pass through The Chicago Architecture Foundation. Just be prepared to receive dirty looks from newbies!

The Skyline Club (built in 1924, but carefully dismembered and brought over from England, so more like 200 years old I suppose) was a lovely restaurant/private social club still functioning as such and boasting spectacular views of the copper Carbide and Carbon Building.  and Michigan Ave. On this one weekend of the year, you can pretend to be a fancy exclusive club member and lounge in the space enjoyed by socialite types since the turn of the century. 

Carbide and Carbon Building

Moving on, my next stop was the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist built in 1968. Lots of you may recognize it as the huge spaceship-shaped building at the corner of Wacker Drive and Wabash. It has a massive organ that I hung around in hopes that someone would play, but alas.. no luck. A spectacular dome covers the pulpit and Greek amphitheater-style seating. 

Inside the 17th Church of Christ Scientist

Our guide told us membership to the church used to be in the thousands and now is under 100 which is crazy given the prime real estate and number of seats. I guess they get their money from other avenues, including but not limited to Hollywood movie patronage-- the movie Divergent did some filming there earlier this year. 

Here is a link for a clip filmed at the church.

My next stop was the Kemper Building 360 degree observatory. Located on the 41st floor and closed for decades, this view was an exclusive perk for Open House Chicago goers. Though the windows weren't very clear (there was some sort of sun-proofing and moisture build up between many of the panes) I got breathtaking eye-level views of the Jeweler's Building and a nice birds-eye view of Millennium park and the "bean". Worth the trip.

The Jeweler's Building

I was interested in seeing the Foundation Room at the House of Blues  because it's one of my favorite theaters in the city--- so beautiful and ornate. By the time we got there, they were wrapping up in preparation of a show. I'll have to add that to my list of places to hit up next year.

House of Blues

I was hoping I'd have time to fit in one more stop, so I headed back up Michigan Ave toward the Fourth Presbyterian Church. When I peeked into the main room, I saw there was a service going on, so I explored further. I stumbled upon a labyrinth room and made the long journey to the center. From what I understand, it's a time to reflect and meditate about where you are and where you are heading. A nice way to end a day of exploring Chicago. So much to see and so much to look forward to learning!

Walking the Labrynth

By the time I was done, I was able to go into the main congregation to look around the Gothic-Revival interior. Simply beautiful and awe inspiring. I was so grateful for my day of exploring and the opportunity to see places I had never seen or known existed and for no cost whatsoever! I highly recommend planning out your next year's trip.

Inside the Fourth Presbyterian Church

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"    ~George Harrison