Additionally, the Newberry Library offers a full schedule of adult education seminars, lectures, panel discussions, live performances, and rotating exhibits. Discover treasures such as an exquisitely hand-colored map of the Americas from the Renaissance actual hand-written correspondence between Jack Kerouac and his publisher and an 1865 first edition, beautifully-bound copy of Alice in Wonderland. Anyone with a relevant research topic is welcome to explore the library's rich collection of artifacts. Since 1887, the Newberry Library has served as free public independent research institution. This was his favorite place for a fresh shave because it happened to be the only barbershop with no windows in Chicago.īetween The Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast lies a history buff's dream come true. Al Capone was a regular at the barbershop on the basement floor.President Kennedy learned of the Cuban Missile Crisis while staying in the Presidential Suite.President from Taft through Carter has stayed at the Blackstone. Grab a glass of wine at Mercat a la Planxa on the bottom floor and head up to the art hall which is open to the public. Check out the ornamental Crystal Ballroom where an infamous meeting involving the families of the New York and Chicago Mafia "allegedly" took place. The English room, once used for private dinner parties, is made from wood and stained glass imported from an English Castle. This historically rich hotel features a beautiful lobby, an elegant art hall, and unbeatable lake front views. The hotel was built on the former home site of Timothy Blackstone, 19th century railroad tycoon and founding President of the Union Stock Yards. The Blackstone Hotel, also known as “The Hotel of Presidents,” sits across the street from Grant Park and the Union Pacific Railroad. The Women’s restroom on the second floor has been called one of the most beautiful restrooms in Chicago.For a better view of the building’s entire exterior, head to the fifth floor of the parking garage across the street on Wabash Avenue.However, much of the interior integrity remains intact, including stunning original stained glass windows circling the top floors, the auditoriums original stage framing, and a gorgeously domed ceiling. Today the building lives on as the largest Bloomingdale Home Store in the country. For many years, the auditorium was home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Shriner’s Circus, and countless local graduation ceremonies. The impressive exterior is hard to miss! The 105-year-old building originally served as an Auditorium for the Medinah Shriner’s Club. Whether you're window shopping or in the market for new house wares, the Medinah Temple is a must when wandering River North. The hand painted murals throughout the building were restored by Lido Lippi, who was also consulted to restore the murals of the Sistine Chapel.Since the building was originally built as a men’s club, once upon a time women were only allowed in the rooms with light blue ceilings.Whether you’re dining at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse or looking for a historic place to stay, do not miss the wall to wall extravagance waiting behind the doors of the Intercontinental Hotel. Around every turn is another hallway decked with hand painted mosaic tile, family crests and original club embellishments. Step into “smoking rooms,” now used as event spaces, adorned with lavish stained glass windows, rare wood walls and a hand painted ceiling illustrating the life of King Arthur. Step back in time to Gatsby-era Chicago with extravagant baccarat chandelier ballrooms, gold leaf molding, and hand painted murals. Every unique floor has been carefully restored to its original state. It was common to spectate as Olympic Swimmer Johnny Weissmuller, the original Tarzan, swam laps. Club members enjoyed luxurious amenities such as a rooftop golf course, a shooting range, and a junior Olympic size swimming pool-the oldest in the city. Imagine a time when the who’s who of prohibition era Chicago gathered to socialize and entertain in a lavish space that spared no expense. The south tower of the building opened its doors in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club. Just steps away from the iconic Tribune Tower is the majestic Intercontinental Hotel. Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
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