Second Presbyterian Church: An Arts and Crafts Masterpiece

4.8 (58)

Discover a hidden gem of Arts and Crafts architecture in Chicago's South Loop, featuring stunning stained glass and intricate designs.

Home
Illinois
Cicero
Second Presbyterian Church

Second Presbyterian Church, a landmark Gothic Revival church in Chicago's Prairie District, is renowned for its stunning Arts and Crafts interior. Redesigned after a fire in 1900 by Howard Van Doren Shaw, the sanctuary showcases exquisite stained glass, murals, and intricate woodwork, making it a must-see architectural gem.

A brief summary to Second Presbyterian Church

1936 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Prairie District, Illinois, 60616, US
Click to display
Click to display

Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the art and architecture; check the church's website for the schedule.
Visit on a Sunday morning to attend a service and experience the church's vibrant community.
Explore the surrounding Prairie District to see other examples of Chicago's historic architecture.
Street parking is free on Sundays, but check restrictions during Bears games or Wintrust Arena events.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Clarke-Ford House

Uncovering History at the Clarke-Ford House Museum

Elbridge G Keith House

Discover the Historic Charm of Elbridge G. Keith House

Glessner House

Glessner House: A Timeless Journey into Chicago's History

Getting There

Public Transport

The #3 and #4 CTA buses travel on Michigan Avenue and stop at the corner of Michigan and Cullerton, near the church. The Red Line stop at Chinatown is a short 0.4 mile walk to the church. A single ride on CTA bus or train is $2.50.
Walking

From many points in the South Loop, the church is easily accessible by foot. Use the iconic Hotel Chicago as a landmark, and walk south on Michigan Avenue. The church is located at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Cullerton Street. Be mindful of street traffic.
Taxi/Ride-share

A taxi or ride-share from downtown Chicago will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic. Ask your driver to drop you off at the main entrance on Michigan Avenue.
Parking

There is a small parking lot on the north side of the church. Street parking is also usually available nearby. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks of the church, with rates typically ranging from $8 to $25 for 2 hours. Keep in mind that parking restrictions may apply during Chicago Bears games and Wintrust Arena events.

Discover more about Second Presbyterian Church

Second Presbyterian Church, located on South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, stands as a testament to both architectural resilience and artistic innovation. Organized in 1842, the congregation's early worship spaces evolved from a modest frame structure to a larger Gothic Revival church designed by James Renwick Jr.. This second building, known as the "Spotted Church" due to its limestone construction, was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.The current building, dedicated in 1874 and also designed by Renwick, is a landmark Gothic Revival structure. However, it is the interior that truly sets Second Presbyterian apart. Following a devastating fire in 1900, architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, a member of the congregation, reimagined the sanctuary in the Arts and Crafts style. This redesign, completed in 1901, resulted in one of the finest Arts and Crafts church interiors in the United States.The interior boasts thirteen Frederic Clay Bartlett murals in the Pre-Raphaelite style, along with a phenomenal collection of stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Edward Burne-Jones and others. The church features nine Tiffany windows dating between 1892 and 1918. Other notable features include carved wood panels, molded plaster angels, unique light fixtures, and original Arts and Crafts carpets. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, designated a Chicago Landmark in 1977, and a National Historic Landmark in 2013.Today, Second Presbyterian Church remains an active congregation, welcoming visitors to admire its architectural and artistic treasures.