Posted 3 years ago
4 MIN READ – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have announced the late-March reopening of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Memorial Hall and Rotunda at the Chicago Cultural Center following a year-long restoration.
Free public programming during a special Reopening Weekend, March 26–27, will include tours, talks, dance performances and more in addition to continuing exhibitions, Welcome Center and Learning Lab events and shopping at BUDDY — also celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Chicago Cultural Center, which opened in 1897. The meticulous restoration of the art glass dome and decorative finishes in the G.A.R. rooms, a Civil War memorial, was made possible by a generous grant of services valued at over $15 million to the City of Chicago. The Chicago Cultural Center is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes; the restoration of the Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall was completed in 2008. For more information click here.
This private support provided access to a highly specialized team that exposed the original 1890s surfaces of the rooms; conserved a 40-foot diameter, 62,000-piece art glass dome; and recreated long-lost custom-designed lighting fixtures.
Following the restoration, the G.A.R. rooms will reflect their historic appearance, but also more ably facilitate a wider range of free and diverse cultural programming. This includes upgraded lighting, electrical and Wi-Fi — and opportunities for artists and organizations to activate the space through performances and exhibitions.
The Chicago Cultural Center restoration, which began in February 2021 following an intensive yearlong study, was executed by Harboe Architects and a team of highly specialized preservation experts and artisans, in partnership with the Department of Assets, Information and Services (AIS) and in consultation with conservators and Tim Samuelson, Cultural Historian Emeritus for the City of Chicago. The Landmarks Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the project.
Reopening Weekend Schedule of Events (subject to change):
Saturday, March 26:
- 11:00 a.m., “MYTH BUSTIN’ — The REAL Story Behind the G.A.R. Rooms” with Cultural Historian Emeritus Tim Samuelson (G.A.R. Foyer)
- 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m., Guided Tours (G.A.R. Foyer)
- 1:00 p.m., Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Harboe Architects (G.A.R. Hall)
- 2:00 p.m., “What Sacrifice & Freedom Mean Today” with professor Christopher Reed, professor Eileen McMahon and artist Leah Gipson; moderated by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington (G.A.R. Hall)
- 3:00 p.m., Performance by Red Clay Dance (G.A.R. Hall and beyond)
- Plus, view the G.A.R. documentary by Chanel 25 (G.A.R. Foyer), visit the hands-on art cart and exhibit displays (G.A.R. Hall) or take a self-guided tour. (Building is open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Sunday, March 27:
- 11:00 a.m., “MYTH BUSTIN’ — The REAL Story Behind the G.A.R. Rooms” with Cultural Historian Emeritus Tim Samuelson (G.A.R. Foyer)
- 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m., Guided Tours (G.A.R. Foyer)
- 1:00 p.m., Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Harboe Architects (G.A.R. Hall)
- Plus, View the G.A.R. documentary by Chanel 25 (G.A.R. Foyer), visit the hands-on art cart and exhibit displays (G.A.R. Hall) or take a self-guided tour. (Building is open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
