Explore the Legacy of Lorraine Hansberry at Her Historic Home
Discover the historical significance of the Lorraine Hansberry House, celebrating the life of the first African American woman playwright on Broadway.
The Lorraine Hansberry House, located in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood, is a historical landmark that pays tribute to the life and work of Lorraine Hansberry, one of America's most influential playwrights and civil rights activists. Renowned for her groundbreaking play 'A Raisin in the Sun', Hansberry was the first African American woman to have a play produced on Broadway, making her home a site of significant cultural heritage. The house itself is a modest yet charming structure that reflects the architectural styles of its time and stands as a symbol of resilience and aspiration in the African American community. While the house is not currently operating as a museum, its importance as a tourist attraction remains profound, as it provides insights into the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the mid-20th century. Visitors to the Lorraine Hansberry House can appreciate not only the literary genius of its former resident but also the broader historical context surrounding her life and works. Although tours might be limited, the surrounding neighborhood is rich in history and cultural significance, offering a glimpse into the vibrant community that shaped Hansberry's life and ideas. Taking a moment to reflect at this landmark will deepen your understanding of the ongoing journey for equality and representation in the arts, making it a meaningful stop on any cultural itinerary in Chicago.
Local tips
- Check local listings for any special events or guided tours that may be held at the house.
- Consider visiting during the daytime for the best experience and to explore the surrounding Woodlawn area.
- Bring a camera to capture the charming exterior of the house and the vibrant neighborhood.
A brief summary to Lorraine Hansberry House
- 6140 S Rhodes Ave, Chicago, Woodlawn, Illinois, 60637, US
Getting There
-
Public Transport - Bus
If you're in Oak Lawn, start by heading to the nearest bus stop for the Pace Bus. Look for the Pace Route 349, which travels towards Chicago. Board the bus and stay on until you reach the 63rd St & Cottage Grove stop. From there, transfer to the CTA Green Line train at the Cottage Grove station, heading towards Ashland. Disembark at the 63rd station. Once you exit the station, head east on 63rd Street until you reach South Rhodes Avenue. Turn left on South Rhodes Avenue and walk until you reach 6140 S Rhodes Ave, which is the Lorraine Hansberry House.
-
Walking
If you're already in Oak Lawn, find your way to 95th Street, which is a major road. Walk east along 95th Street until you reach the intersection with Cicero Avenue. Cross over to Cicero Avenue and continue walking north until you reach the 63rd Street intersection. At 63rd Street, turn left and walk all the way to South Rhodes Avenue. Turn right on South Rhodes Avenue and continue until you arrive at 6140 S Rhodes Ave, the Lorraine Hansberry House.
-
Bicycle
For those cycling in Oak Lawn, start by heading towards the Cook County Forest Preserves bike paths. From there, follow the paths that lead north. You can merge onto 63rd Street and follow it directly to South Rhodes Avenue. Once you reach South Rhodes Avenue, turn right and bike until you get to 6140 S Rhodes Ave, where the Lorraine Hansberry House is located.
Attractions Nearby to Lorraine Hansberry House
-
Jackson (Andrew) Park
-
Heritage Museum of Asian Art
-
Monument To The Great Northern Migration
-
Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park
-
Glessner House
-
Northerly Island Park
-
Museum Campus
-
Field Museum
-
Adler Planetarium
-
Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk
-
Shedd Aquarium
-
National Museum of Mexican Art
-
Fox In A Box Escape Room Chicago
-
Grant Park
-
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
Landmarks nearby to Lorraine Hansberry House
-
Lorraine Hansberry House
-
Emmett & Mamie Till-Mobley House Museum
-
Taft House
-
The Original Ferris Wheel
-
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum
-
Nuclear Energy Sculpture
-
Mitchell Tower
-
Frederick C. Robie House
-
Robert A. Millikan House
-
Oak Woods Cemetery
-
The Castle
-
Al Capone's Chicago Manor
-
Isidore H. Heller House - Frank Lloyd Wright
-
Gwendolyn Brooks House
-
Former Home of Muhammad Ali