Downtown Chicago is full of secrets, but one of the most surprising is hiding on top of the Harold Washington Library Center.
Nine stories up, past rows of books and quiet study tables, you’ll find the Winter Garden—a glass-enclosed rooftop space that feels like stepping out of the city and into a sanctuary.
Most people walk past the building every day without realizing such a space exists. Those who stumble upon it often say the same thing: “How did I not know this was here?”
A Library Like No Other
The Harold Washington Library opened in 1991, named after Chicago’s first Black mayor. At 756,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest public libraries in the world.
From the outside, it’s instantly recognizable by its red brick façade and enormous green owls perched on the roof—symbols of knowledge watching over the city.
Inside, it’s a hub for far more than books. There’s a maker lab, music practice rooms, career centers, and art exhibitions. But the crown jewel is the Winter Garden on the ninth floor.
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Inside the Winter Garden
Step out of the elevator and into a soaring, light-filled space covered by a glass-paneled atrium. The ceiling arches high overhead, flooding the room with natural light. Trees and plants dot the edges, while marble floors and classical details give it a formal elegance.
The space is open to the public and often used for weddings, lectures, and community events.
Why It Feels Special
What makes the Winter Garden stand out isn’t just its beauty—it’s the contrast. You’re in the middle of the Loop, surrounded by honking horns and crowded sidewalks, but nine floors up it feels calm, bright, and almost serene.
On a sunny afternoon, the light pouring through the glass ceiling feels energizing. On a gray day, the openness makes you forget the gloom outside. It’s one of the rare indoor spots in Chicago that feels both grand and inviting.
Practical Tips
- Location: 400 S. State Street, downtown Chicago.
- Hours: Library open Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 1–5 p.m. (Winter Garden access follows library hours, but may close for private events).
- Admission: Free.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings are calmest. Afternoons often have more students and tourists.
- Photography: Allowed, but be mindful of people using the space to study.
- Events: Check the library’s schedule—lectures, cultural programs, and art installations sometimes take place here.
Pair It With Nearby Stops
Since you’re in the Loop, it’s easy to make a half-day adventure:
- Printers Row: Just south, full of indie bookstores and cafés.
- The Harold Washington Cultural Center: Theater and community events honoring the mayor’s legacy.
- Lou Malnati’s: Grab a deep-dish pizza a few blocks away.
- Grant Park & Millennium Park: Only a short walk east.
Why You Should Go
Chicago has no shortage of dramatic architecture and iconic attractions. But the Winter Garden is a reminder that sometimes the most memorable spots are free, quiet, and tucked just out of sight.
It’s not just a rooftop atrium—it’s a secret space that makes you pause, look up, and feel a little awe.
Ever studied under a ceiling of glass nine stories above the busiest part of the city? At Harold Washington Library, you can.
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You Don’t Know
Join 20,000+ locals getting the inside scoop. Discover hidden gems, secret events, and the best Chicago has to offer.
