Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Harold Washington Library Center

400 S. State St. , Chicago, IL 60605

Architecture

The creation of Harold Washington Library Center is a product of a widely publicized architectural competition. Designed by Tom Beeby, the red brick, granite, and glass composition uses traditional design motifs to establish itself as a civic structure. A two-story battered granite base supports a five-story brick body punctuated by five arches along State Street and three facing Congress and Van Buren. The Harold Washington Library Center is a hybrid design that reflects the conflicting architectural ideas that characterized the late 1980s.

How to find us?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Lincoln Park ZooLights

Lincoln Park Zoo •  Nov 15 – Jan 05 @ 4:30PM

Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by the laughter of children and more than one million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights.

Read more about Lincoln Park ZooLights

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Millennium Park •  Nov 15 – Feb 02

Ice Skate in Downtown Chicago

Read more about McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Lights at The Museum of Science and Industry

Museum of Science and Industry •  Nov 16 – Jan 06

Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe while creating your own traditions with loved ones this season.

Read more about Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Lights at The Museum of Science and Industry

You might also be interested...

Millennium Park

Chicago

In the heart of downtown Chicago, discover 25 acres of beautiful landscape, architecture and public art — including the iconic Cloud Gate.

Read more about Millennium Park

Chicago at Sunset Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats

Chicago

Read more about Chicago at Sunset Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats

Wendella's Signature Lake & River Tour

Chicago

Read more about Wendella's Signature Lake & River Tour

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.