Chicago's Classical Architecture: The Legacy of the White City

Chicagos architecture has been called the most important in the United States by the American Institute of Architects and perhaps no other type of architecture has had as significant of an impact on the citys look feel and character as classical architecture. Chicagos connection to classical architecture dates back to the famed 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition with its gleaming White City of ornate Beaux-Arts buildings. After the fair the Plan of Chicago developed by Daniel Burnham the fairs lead architect paved the way for the further spread of classical building not only in Chicago but throughout the country. In the 21st century Chicago still retains its classical look much of which is either directly or indirectly linked to Burnham and the 1893 fair. Burnhams renowned plan influenced what Chicagoans now see in Grant Park for example as well as in other structures homes government and office buildings monuments hotels schools and museums-all inspired by Greek and Roman architecture For the first time these structures-spanning well over 200 years of building-are shown here in one collection.