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Marquette Building: A Glimpse into Chicago's Architectural Golden Age

Explore the Marquette Building, a Chicago architectural masterpiece showcasing stunning mosaics and bronze panels that narrate the city's rich history.

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The Marquette Building, a Chicago Landmark completed in 1895, exemplifies the Chicago School of Architecture. Named after explorer Father Jacques Marquette, it showcases innovative steel-frame construction, ornate interiors with Tiffany mosaics, and bronze panels depicting Chicago's early history, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's past and architectural heritage.

A brief summary to Marquette Building

  • 140 S Dearborn St, Chicago, Chicago Loop, Illinois, 60603, US
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Local tips

  • Visit the Marquette Building's lobby to view the Tiffany mosaic panels and bronze sculptures, which depict scenes from Father Marquette's exploration of the Chicago area.
  • Take a guided architectural tour to fully appreciate the building's innovative steel-frame construction and its significance as an early skyscraper.
  • Explore the building during weekday hours (7 AM to 10 PM) to fully appreciate the interior details and historical exhibits in the lobby.
  • Check out the Chicago Architecture Center's website for tour schedules and to guarantee your space, as tours often sell out.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Marquette Building is easily accessible via Chicago's 'L' train system. Several lines (Blue, Red, Brown, Orange, Purple, Pink, and Green) stop within a few blocks. Exit at the Adams/Wabash, Monroe, or Jackson stations and walk a short distance to 140 S Dearborn St. CTA fares are $2.50 per ride; purchase a Ventra card for easy payment. Alternatively, numerous CTA bus routes stop near the building. Bus fares are $2.25 per ride.

  • Walking

    Located in the heart of the Loop, the Marquette Building is within easy walking distance of many downtown landmarks, including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Cultural Center. From Millennium Park, walk west along Adams Street for approximately four blocks. The Marquette Building will be on your right.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient access to the Marquette Building. Simply provide the address, 140 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60603, as your destination. Typical fares from nearby locations in the Loop range from $8 to $15, depending on traffic and distance.

  • Driving

    Driving to the Marquette Building is possible, but parking in the Loop can be challenging and expensive. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks, including South Loop Self Park and Adams & Wabash Self Park. Expect to pay between $15 and $35 for 2 hours of parking. Street parking is available but limited; rates are $7.00 per hour in the Loop. Consider using apps like ParkChicago or SpotHero to find and reserve parking in advance.

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Discover more about Marquette Building

The Marquette Building, located at 140 S Dearborn St in the heart of Chicago's Loop, stands as a testament to the city's architectural ambition in the late 19th century. Completed in 1895, this 16-story skyscraper, designed by Holabird & Roche, is a prime example of the Chicago School of Architecture, showcasing the innovative use of steel-frame construction. Named in honor of Father Jacques Marquette, the first European settler in Chicago, the building's design reflects the city's burgeoning pride and aspirations to rival European metropolises. The exterior features broad 'Chicago windows' that maximize light and air, while the facade is adorned with horizontally banded brown terra cotta and wave-like moldings. Inside, visitors are greeted by an ornate, two-story lobby boasting intricate mosaic floors, marble columns, and a stunning stained-glass skylight. Bronze panels above the exterior doors depict Father Marquette and Louis Jolliet's journey through the region, while bronze busts of Native Americans and early explorers adorn the lobby, further emphasizing the building's historical narrative. The building connects to another building, creating an indoor walkway from Dearborn Street to Clark Street. The Marquette Building has been recognized as a Chicago Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and a National Register Historic Place, solidifying its importance in American architectural history. A major restoration completed in 2006 ensures that this architectural gem will continue to inspire and captivate visitors for generations to come.

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