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

Explore Chicago's architectural heritage at the Marquette Building, a landmark skyscraper with stunning mosaics and a rich history in the heart of the Loop.

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The Marquette Building, a Chicago landmark completed in 1895, exemplifies the Chicago School of Architecture. Named after explorer Jacques Marquette, it showcases an innovative steel-frame construction and a stunning lobby adorned with Tiffany mosaics, bronze sculptures, and historical artwork, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past.

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 admire the Tiffany mosaics and bronze sculptures that depict the story of Father Jacques Marquette.
  • Take a guided tour offered by the Chicago Architecture Center to learn about the building's innovative architecture and historical significance.
  • Explore the surrounding Loop neighborhood, home to other architectural gems and cultural attractions.
  • Check out the permanent exhibit in the lobby, which delves into the building's history and its role in Chicago's development.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Marquette Building is located in the heart of the Loop, easily accessible on foot from many downtown hotels, attractions, and transport hubs. From Millennium Park, walk west along Adams Street for about 10 minutes. The building will be on your right, at the corner of Dearborn and Adams. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    The CTA 'L' train is a convenient way to reach the Marquette Building. Several lines (Red, Blue, Brown, Orange, Purple, Pink, and Green) stop within a few blocks of the building. Exit at the Adams/Wabash or Monroe/Dearborn station and walk a short distance to 140 S Dearborn St. A single ride on the 'L' costs $2.50. Alternatively, CTA bus routes also serve the area, with a single bus fare costing $2.25. Transfers between 'L' lines and buses are free within two hours.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a direct way to reach the Marquette Building. From Union Station, a taxi or ride-share will cost approximately $8-$12, depending on traffic. Be sure to specify the address, 140 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60603, to ensure accurate routing.

  • Parking

    Several parking garages are located near the Marquette Building. Parking rates vary, but you can expect to pay around $20-$30 for a few hours. Street parking is also available, metered parking in the Loop costs $7.00 per hour from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Consider using a parking app like ParkWhiz or SpotHero to find and reserve parking spots 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 innovation and rich history. Completed in 1895, this 16-story structure is a prime example of the Chicago School of Architecture, showcasing the early use of steel-frame construction that enabled the rise of skyscrapers. Designed by Holabird & Roche, the building was commissioned by the Brooks brothers as a speculative commercial venture, capitalizing on Chicago's rapid growth. The building's exterior is clad in horizontally banded brown terra cotta, featuring the signature "Chicago windows"—large fixed panes flanked by narrow, operable sashes. These windows, combined with the steel frame, allowed for non-load-bearing masonry walls, maximizing light and airflow. A meticulous restoration completed in 2006 revived the building's original luster, both inside and out. The Marquette Building's lobby is a work of art in itself. Adorned with intricate mosaic floors, marble columns, and a breathtaking stained-glass skylight designed by J.A. Holzer of Tiffany Company, the lobby offers a glimpse into Chicago's past. Bronze panels depict scenes from Father Jacques Marquette's exploration of the region in 1674-75, for whom the building is named. Sculptures by Edward Kemeys, including bronze busts of Native Americans and explorers, further enhance the historical narrative. The Marquette Building is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a designated Chicago Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and a National Register Historic Place. Today, the building is owned by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which has been instrumental in its preservation and restoration. Visitors can explore the lobby and appreciate the building's historical and artistic significance. Guided tours are available through the Chicago Architecture Center, providing deeper insights into the building's design and history.

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