Saving History Saturday: Chicago’s G.A.R. Memorial Hall Reopening

The announcement has been made! In late March, the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall and Rotunda at the Chicago Cultural Center will reopen. It’s been closed for a year of renovations and preservation efforts.

According to a news posting:

The Chicago Cultural Center restoration, which began in February 2021 following an intensive yearlong study, was executed by Harboe Architects and a team of highly specialized preservation experts and artisans, in partnership with the Department of Assets, Information and Services (AIS) and in consultation with conservators and Tim Samuelson, Cultural Historian Emeritus for the City of Chicago. The Landmarks Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the project. The meticulous restoration of the art glass dome and decorative finishes in the G.A.R. rooms, a Civil War memorial, was made possible by a generous grant of services valued at $15,425,000 to the City of Chicago. (The Chicago Cultural Center is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes; the restoration of the Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall was completed in 2008.)

The Chicago Grand Army of the Republic rooms are 125 years old this year (2022) and continue to fulfill their purpose to honor Civil War veterans, sacrifice, and freedom. The room contains a list of major battles and originally displayed Civil War artifacts. The artifacts have been moved and are conserved at the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center.

More information about the building, restoration, and re-opening event, please visit: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/gar.html