Chicago Is Still An Event Kind of Town!

I saw too many amazing event spaces to fit them all into one post. Welcome to Part 2 of "Chicago Is An Event Kind of Town!", including amazing views, amazing art, and a library.

The Harold Washington Library Center

As part of the tour I took through the Chicago Greeter program, I was taken to a branch of the current Chicago public library, the Harold Washington Library Center. The library itself is a beautiful building, with fountains and marble work inside. While gorgeous throughout, the Winter Garden on the library's ninth floor may be the most amazing part of the library.

The Winter Garden is two stories with a glass paneled dome that covers the room's ceiling. I visited this space during the early afternoon hours, and the domed ceiling let in an amazing amount of light. I don't think a single artificial light was on during my visit. The natural light made the space even more appealing for an afternoon wedding reception or brunch function.

In addition to the spectacular architecture and visual appeal of this space, the Winter Garden can only be accessed by elevator. This added benefit allows an event to be truly private while still taking place in a public space. When I stepped off the elevator on the library's ninth floor, I felt like I was stepping into a completely different world. The room is so peaceful and welcoming that it was hard to believe that just below my feet people where reading, studying, and surfing the internet.

For more information on the Winter Garden at the Harold Washington Library Center, click here.

Willis Tower (Formerly Sears Tower)

I had always heard about the Sears Tower and wanted to tour the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. (Never mind that I'm kind of a chicken when it comes to heights.) Now called "the Willis Tower", the Skydeck is on the 103rd floor of the building, and offers views of the city you can't seen anywhere else. I took this picture from the Skydeck of the city and Lake Michigan.

Though I was too much of a wimp to do it, you should go on the Ledge when visiting Willis Tower. The Ledge is a glass extension built out from the walls of the tower that allows you to literally stand above Chicago. Word to the wise, don't look down before you step out. That's what made me chicken out!

If you can handle the height, the 99th floor of the Willis Tower is an event venue that seats up to 300 guests. While not quite as high as the observation deck, the views from the 99th floor are just as stunning. In addition to holding your event on the 99th floor, you can treat your guests to VIP access to the Skydeck and Ledge. When planning an event at the Willis Tower's Skydeck you may want to consider handing out gum to your guests as they get on the elevator. My ears wouldn't pop on the elevator to the 103rd floor, making me wish I'd remembered to drop a pack of gum into my purse before going.

For more information on using the 99th floor of the Willis Tower for an event, click here.

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago, located on South Michigan Avenue, may be the largest museum I have every been in. With four floors of art exhibits to browse, you could spend days here. The Art Institute is home to peices like American Gothic, Nighthawks, and A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. One of my favorite exhibits was "Arms and Armor", which featured an array of armor from around the world. I also enjoyed seeing Picasso's The Old Guitarist up close; that was amazing!

While I was visiting the Art Institute, an event was being set up in the Stock Exchange Trading Room. I wasn't allowed to go in to tour the space, but I did look in all the windows as staff were setting up. This room is gorgeous! The room was created with sections of the original Adler and Sullivan's Stock Exchange Trading Room was torn down in the 1970s. The details in the space are astounding. Look at the images available on the Art Institute website, and you'll see what I mean.

If you get the chance to throw an event in Chicago, take it. And consider one of these venues for it. Even if you're not throwing an event, go visit these places. They're all amazing and interesting in their own way, and are completely worth seeing.