Harold Washington Library Center (Chicago Public Library) Tours

The Harold Washington Library Center is the main branch of the Chicago Public Library system. When it opened in 1991, the ten-story library was the largest public library in the world.
Located in Chicago’s South Loop, its design is based on the winning submission in a 1988 architecture contest. The contest was to design the new library called for by then-Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, the city’s first African American mayor.
The Harold Washington Library Center is more than just a traditional library for books. Here, you can research your ancestry in their online genealogy databases. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the building, art on display from more than 50 artists, music practice rooms, a Maker Lab, and book clubs and reading events for your children. Be sure to visit the glass-domed Winter Garden atrium on the library’s 9th floor as well.
Practical Info
The Harold Washington Library Center is open seven days a week. Library hours are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday and Saturday, and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. The Harold Washington Library is a popular stop on architecture walks of Chicago.
Address: 400 S State St, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Hours: Open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday and Saturday, and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Harold Washington Library Center (Chicago Public Library)
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Private Chicago City Mini Bus Tour
Don’t miss Chicago’s famous sights (now including Wrigley Field!) and fabulous views on this award-winning private sightseeing tour of the city. Travel through Chicago with an expert guide on a comfortable minibus, stopping at iconic locations like early skyscraper "The Rookery" (Frank Lloyd Wright architecture), Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town), Millennium Park (The Bean), Buckingham Fountain, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, Chicago River, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more! Along the way, your guide will provide historical and informational commentary about the area and its beautiful attractions. Your private tour ensures a more personal experience. If you would like to take the tour at a time other than what is offered, please note in special requests field when booking. The best way to tour at this time! Sanitized vehicles with just your group.
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From
$249.99
per group
From
$249.99
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Chicago City Mini Bus Tour
PLEASE NOTE: Our mini buses are disinfected after each tour. We will do our best to make each tour fun, informative and as SAFE as possible!
Freshly discounted private tours are also available. They will be the best way to travel for a while. Select the Private Tour category.
Enjoy Chicago’s famous sights (now including Wrigley Field!) and fabulous views on this award-winning small-group sightseeing tour of the city. Travel through Chicago with an expert guide on a comfortable minibus, stopping at iconic locations like early skyscraper "The Rookery" (Frank Lloyd Wright architecture), Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town), Millennium Park (The Bean), Buckingham Fountain, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, Chicago River, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more! Along the way, your guide will provide historical and informational commentary about the area and its many attractions. The small-group atmosphere with maximum of 10 people ensures a more personal experience.
…More
From
$39.95
From
$39.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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