Open House Chicago 2018

Be sure to visit these ten sites during Open House Chicago 2018.  

No surprise, they’re all near Lake Michigan.

I look forward to this weekend all year long!  The Chicago Architecture Center’sannual Open House Chicago is when this gorgeous city shows off some of its proudest accomplishments. With more than 250 significant architectural sites open to the public all weekend, you’ll need a plan.  Sadly, I can’t visit every single one.  Here are some favorites that I think you’ll enjoy. Please share your photos using #LakeshoreMag and #OHC2018!

Driehaus Museum
Return to Chicago’s gilded age with a visit to this elegant mansion.  Every inch has been painstakingly restored and furnished with pieces and ornaments from the finest craftsmen of the last century.  Don’t miss the many Tiffany Glass pieces throughout the museum.

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Fieldhouse Jones
Did you think boutique hotels were running out of original ideas?  Me too until this place opened. Fieldhouse Jones is a new concept in temporary lodging and it pays playful homage to the great public fieldhouses in Chicago’s parks.  Can’t wait to get a close look at the artful collection of vintage sports equipment.

Newberry Library
The Newberry is celebrating its 125 year in its current home with the unveiling of a newly remodeled first floor welcome center, bookshop and gallery.  Open Saturday only with live music until 3 pm.

Columbia Yacht Club
Of course we can’t resist a chance to visit the CYC’s unique clubhouse, a 372 foot train ferry named MV Abegweit.  Guests may tour the private dining room and event spaces and enjoy a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan.  Photo op: the antique brass binnacle.

Colvin House
This Sheridan Road mansion was a mystery in plain sight until a visionary businesswoman recently purchased, restored, and reimagined the lavish home converting it to an inspiring co-working space and special event venue. You’ll be awed by the detailed ornamentation and grand entry hall.

Evanston History Center
This magnificent lakefront mansion was the home of Charles Gates Dawes, the 30th Vice President of the United States and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.  It has served as the home of the Evanston History Center since 1960. Don’t miss the stately library and grand hall.

The Woman’s Club of Evanston
Built in 1912 and still in use as a home base for a vibrant, active woman’s club, this stately building has served the Evanston community for more than a century. Visit the classic second floor ballroom and take a moment to marvel at the accomplishments of the women who founded this organization and the thousands who have served throughout the Club’s 128 year history.

Alice Millar Chapel
Let’s hope for a sunny weekend so the Alice Millar Chapel will show us her loveliest feature, floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows that that light up with every imaginable color.  You’ll want to sit and watch the light change for hours.

Northwestern’s Charles Deering Library
This imposing, gothic structure at the center of Northwestern’s lakefront campus has always captivated the locals, especially on October evenings when it’s bathed in purple light and evokes memories of every exterior shot in the Harry Potter movies.  Climb to the second floor to view the dramatic reading room. Open Saturday afternoon.

Baha’i House of Worship
The communities of the north shore are justifiably proud of this amazing place.  One of only ten Baha’i sites in the world and the only one in North America, this is the largest and oldest in existence.  Enjoy the peaceful auditorium and tour the gardens and newly built visitors center.

This plan focuses primarily on the downtown area and the north shore, but I definitely recommend you visit the sites in Oak Park and Hyde Park too. It’ll be a busy weekend!  Please tell us all about your favorite places and best new discoveries!