đïžâš The Rookery Building | Walking Tour of Chicago in a Day
Manage episode 443764417 series 3605927
The Rookery Building đïžâš
Hey, architecture enthusiast! If youâre into iconic, historic buildings, The Rookery Building is an absolute must-see while youâre exploring downtown Chicago. Known for its stunning architectural design and a major renovation by Frank Lloyd Wright, this hidden gem in the Loop offers a glimpse into Chicagoâs rich architectural history. Hereâs your insider guide to making the most of your visit to The Rookery. Letâs dive in! đïžđ
1. Google Maps Link đșïž
Hereâs your direct link to The Rookery Building: The Rookery Building
2. Nearest Subway Station đ
Youâre in luck because The Rookery is right in the heart of the Loop. The closest "L" train stop is Quincy/Wells Station (Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines), which is just a minute away. You can also easily reach it from Monroe Station (Red and Blue lines) in about 5 minutes.
3. Great Places to Eat, Drink & Grab Coffee Nearby đœïžâ
After marveling at the beauty of The Rookery, youâre going to need to refuel! Here are some great spots nearby:
- Revival Food Hall đđ„: Just a few blocks away, this trendy food hall is packed with Chicagoâs top local eateries, offering everything from sushi to BBQ to vegan options. Itâs a food loverâs paradise.
- Intelligentsia Coffee â: Known for its top-notch brews, this Chicago-based coffee shop is the perfect spot for a caffeine fix just around the corner.
- The Gage đœïžđ»: If youâre craving something more upscale, this lively pub near Millennium Park offers gourmet fare with a great selection of beers.
- Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee đ©: Need a quick, sweet snack? Grab one of Chicagoâs best donuts here, located nearby in the Loop.
4. Best Photo Spots đž
You wonât want to leave The Rookery without snapping some memorable pics. Hereâs where to get the best shots:
- The Light Court đĄ: The Rookeryâs breathtaking light court, redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright, is the crown jewel of the building. The glass and ironwork ceiling creates a magical, ethereal lightâperfect for an iconic photo.
- The Grand Staircase đïž: Take a photo from the bottom of the grand spiral staircase looking up for an architectural shot that captures the elegance of the buildingâs design.
- Outside the Main Entrance đȘ: The intricate exterior is stunning, with its Romanesque and Moorish influences, so grab a wide shot of the whole facade.
5. Opening Times â°
The Rookery is open to the public during regular business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM â 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM â 1:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
(You can also book a guided tour to learn all about the buildingâs fascinating history!)
6. Insider Tips đ€«
- Donât Miss the Light Court âš: The best part of visiting The Rookery is stepping into the bright and airy Light Court. Itâs a beautiful place to just sit, relax, and soak in the stunning details of Frank Lloyd Wrightâs design.
- Guided Tours đ: If youâre an architecture lover, I highly recommend booking a tour through the Chicago Architecture Center or Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Youâll learn so much about the buildingâs history and unique features that you wouldnât catch just walking through.
- Free Lobby Access đȘ: You can pop into the lobby for free during the buildingâs open hours if youâre just in it for a quick look.
7. Hidden Gem đ
The Burnham Library đ: Inside The Rookery, on the top floors, is the private Burnham Library, where famous architects Daniel Burnham and John Root (who designed the building) worked on their plans for the 1893 Worldâs Fair. Though itâs not open to the public, just knowing this historical tidbit makes the building even more special.
8. Public Bathrooms Nearby đ»
- There are bathrooms inside The Rookery Building, but they are primarily for building tenants and tour participants.
- Public restrooms are available at Block 37 (a shopping center just a few blocks away) and nearby coffee shops or cafes like Intelligentsia.
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