TRAVEL GUIDE

Car Hire Milwaukee and the Chicago Cultural Center

Think all urban centers are the same, what with their trendy malls and traffic-packed streets? Well, Mayfair Rent A Car is encouraging car hire Milwaukee travelers to think differently, especially when it comes to the Windy City. Chicago is one of the nation's fastest growing cultural destinations, providing travelers with countless museums and live performance venues. Case in point - the Chicago Cultural Center. Just a few years ago, this building served as the city's central library; today, it's home to the nation's first free municipal arts and culture center. Car hire Milwaukee travelers will discover more than 1,000 different annual program offerings inside this amazing landmark building, not to mention educational programs in the visual, literary and performing arts. No cultural tour of the city would be complete without a top to bottom tour of this facility, so why wait? Check it out on your upcoming car hire Milwaukee vacation.

A magnificent sight to see

The Chicago Cultural Center is an icon of more than just culture in the Chi-Town; it's also a testament to the city's architectural tastes. Designed by Boston Architectural firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, the Chicago Cultural Center was originally built to house the city's central library and Grand Army of the Republic Museum. It costs nearly $2 million back in 1897, thanks to the following architectural highlights:

• The Randolph Street Entrance: This grand entranceway is impossible to miss, thanks to its Greek revival style and Doric columns. Coffered ceilings and large mahogany doors greet you, along with marble walks and a stunning marble staircase.
• Sidney R. Yates Gallery: Car hire Milwaukee travelers will think they've been transported to Venice when they visit this ornate gallery. Inside you'll discover heavily ornamented pilasters and more coffered ceilings.
• Preston Bradley Hall: The crown jewel of the Cultural Center has to be this ornately decorated room. While the white Carrara marble walls are stunning, nothing can compare to the austere 38-foot Tiffany glass dome designed by artist J. A. Holtzer. The Cultural Center dubs it as the largest Tiffany Dome in the world.

The perfect performance

Looking for something unique to do during your upcoming car hire Milwaukee vacation? Then why not plan to catch one of the Chicago Cultural Center's exciting performing arts presentations? From dance to theatre, there's always an engaging performance waiting to take to the stage. Live theatre programming is presented thanks to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Studio Theater and the Storefront Theater. Free music programs are presented as part of the Dame Myra Hess and LunchBreak Series. Free dance performances highlight the eclectic landscape of dance in the city, and can include internationally themed or site specific events.

Exhibiting amazing art

The Chicago Cultural Arts Center proudly hosts a number of outstanding visual arts exhibitions each year, inviting car hire Milwaukee travelers to engage their inner artist. Exhibitions present a wide range of styles and medias, including painting, sculpture, architecture and design. Several major exhibitions are organized by the Visual Arts Staff annually, so be sure to check the schedule for upcoming openings.
Enjoy a healthy dose of culture on your upcoming car hire Milwaukee vacation. Plan to visit the Chicago Cultural Center as part of your Windy City road trip. To learn more about the Chicago Cultural Center please call 312-744-6630. The Chicago Cultural Center is located at 78 E. Washington Street. It is open every day except for major holidays. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 8am to 7pm, Friday from 8am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Remember, admission is always free.