Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall by Joshua Schapiro

Since the morning of October 11, 1897, this spectacular room has served visitors in pursuit of inspiration, information, and enlightenment. Preston Bradley Hall was originally designed as the place where the Chicago Public Library’s extensive volumes were delivered to patrons. The Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company, under the leadership of American visionary artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, produced the dome and the glass and mother-of-pearl mosaics that embellish the marble upper walls. An improbable combination of delicacy of design and durability of materials, this room demonstrates in detail the qualities that made Tiffany’s vision so radical at the time of construction.

(Location: 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602)

This image was taken in partnership with the City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs, Office of Tourism.