Once you visit Chicago, you will be amazed by countless beautiful examples of architecture. There are modern architecture such as Sears Tower, Godfrey Hotel and Inland Steel Building. Also, there are historical sites like Tribune Tower and Broadway in Chicago’s Oriental Theatre. It is amazing that Chicago rebuilt the city so well after the big fire that destroyed the whole city. Every building is so unique, and you can tell the designers of these architecture are absolutely talented. I always wish to have a chance to enter each building and get a detailed understanding of the design and the story behind the scene. Well, God hears me pray! Last week, I accidentally learned there is an Open House activity on weekends. The Open House Chicago offers free behind-the-scenes access to over 150 of Chicago’s greatest places in Chicago! There are few spots that are never opened to public such as the vault of the Chicago Board of Trade Building and the presidential suit in the Blackstone Renaissance Hotel.
Then I will talk about two sites I have visited, the Chicago Board of Trade Building and the Broadway in Chicago’s Oriental Theatre.
(Chicago Board of Trade Building)
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
I took this photo of the Board of Trade Building while visiting another skyscraper. Then, I noticed that there is a statue on the top of the building! Even if I have passed by the building several times, I never realized that. But what is that statue? After visiting the vault in the building, I asked one representative about the question? He show me a picture hang on the wall and told me that is a statue of Roman goddess Ceres who controls agriculture.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
(Broadway in Chicago’s Oriental Theatre)
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Among the dozens of places, the Oriental Theatre is my favorite site. This is not the largest or most fancy theatre I have seen. But I do love the details of the interior design. The main color tone is gold and burgundy which is representative of royalty. However, the theater gave me a strong feeling of mystery and darkness. I think it is because of the oriental pattern sculpture as well as the religious graphs.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
For example, at each entrance, there is a sculpture of a bat in Asian male feature. I was thinking why the designers chose the image of bat. Maybe in western people’s thought, bat is a sign of mystery that matches their impression on oriental world. Moreover, the designers used lots of paintings of Buddha as well as patterns similar to the image of elephant and lotus. From those details, I feel that the designers put lots of efforts to show the theme, Oriental.
Through two days’ visit, I learnt and experience a lot. I just wish there are more activities like this. So guys, no matter what you are interested in, you will always find the activities for you in Chicago!
