Travel: Chicago, IL

Chicago was so much more than I had expected. I spent my time in Chicago dedicating myself to exploring the historical and artistic expressions of the city. There's so much to see if you're mindful; small details and designs that almost feel like little visual gifts from history. The entire downtown area is reminiscent of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Here are some of the things that inspired me while I was there.

Me standing in front of Chagall Windows at The Art Institute of Chicago.

A History of Art Deco Opulence 

The Art Deco architectural style of Chicago is something you can't miss as you explore the city's streets. There are old, historic buildings everywhere with gorgeous detailing and motifs that harken back to a time of opulence and gaiety. What's even more impressive than the outside of these structures are their insides, with grand lobbies that make you feel like you've been transported back in time. These lobbies paint a vivid picture of Chicago's prosperous and rich history, illustrating how the city and its inhabitants valued aesthetic beauty. The Chicago Architecture Center has an amazing list of landmark lobbies that are definitely worth visiting. 

Harold Washington Library, 9th Floor.

The Rookery Building.

If you're looking for something to do on a budget, you can visit many of these spaces for free. It's great that the city of Chicago allows visitors to explore these places at no additional cost. Some specific buildings like the Rookery Building, do offer tours if you are interested in learning about the history of a specific lobby and its design.

The Largest Tiffany Glass Dome in the World

This was one highlight during my time in Chicago. A while ago, I was studying the history of stained glass and stumbled upon the mammoth that is the Tiffany Dome. Tiffany glass plays a significant part in Chicago's aesthetic, Art Deco history and can be found almost everywhere. The Tiffany Dome, however, is a truly monumental piece of art and history. This is the sort of thing that you have to go in person to see to truly appreciate. The dome is located in the Chicago Cultural Center and is open to the public. If possible, I recommend walking the steps all the way to the top (instead of taking the elevator). There are a lot of cool mosaic details on the ceilings and the stairs. 

The Tiffany Dome. In the center of the dome there are symbols for each zodiac sign.

This was my first moment walking towards the Tiffany Dome. You don't see it right away, so there was a lot of anticipation and excitement. 

The ceilings inside of the center are in and of itself a piece of art.

The Palmer House Brownie 

The Palmer House is a historic, luxury hotel located in Downtown Chicago where the first brownie was ever invented. On the menu, the brownie is called "Bertha's brownie" after Bertha Palmer (1849 - 1918) who requested the Palmer House Pastry Chef Joseph Sehl to create the dessert for the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. 

Bertha Palmer.

Another reason to visit the historic Palmer House is to see the exquisite painted ceiling. Notice the bold, mostly warm tone colors and the letter "P" embossed within each archway. There is even a 24-karat gold candelabra designed by Tiffany & Co. which you can try spotting when you visit. 

The famous brownie at The Palmer House.

The brownie is still made with its original recipe from the 1800s. It's not as chocolatey as you would think. I did like the softer, less cakey texture though. It reminded me of an Indian dessert, Suji ka Halwa, in terms of texture (and a bit in flavor!).

The painted ceiling inside of The Palmer House.

The Art Institute of Chicago: An Impressionist's Dream

As a lover of Impressionism, the Art Institute of Chicago has an impressive collection of art from that period. It was surreal to see paintings I had studied from artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Rousseau, Manet, Renoir, and many more. There was actually a point I got so overwhelmed with excitement that I just needed to sit down. 

There is a sacred space between observer and what is being observed. These paintings, during their time, were not respected. Impressionism broke outside of the status quo of religious and historical art. It's easy to see beauty in these works now, but it's important to remember that art's potential is never fully realized until long after it's creation. It's because of paintings like these that I remember art is everywhere if we truly take the time to find it.

Lastly, The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

The exterior of the museum.

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is every Art Nouveau lovers dream. The museum is filled to the brim with antiques from the early 1900s. Art Nouveau was known for being inspired by natural forms and design, which is why scattered throughout the museum you will see references to plant life and animals. The museum also has an app that you can download to guide yourself throughout each room in the house. The app also features a really wonderful Chicago's Tiffany Trail tour curated with spaces all over Chicago that feature iconic pieces of Tiffany Glass.

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A pair of cranes guarding the stairways.

Tiffany stained glass miniature dome with tree motifs.

Mythological figure surrounded by unfurling leaves, carved in wood. Located above a fireplace.

Acorn shaped lights on a ceiling chandelier.