Byzantine, Moorish, Indian, Venetian, or neo-Romanesque aren’t adequate to describe the decorations of Chicago’s Rookery. One of the United States’ first skyscrapers, built in 1888, it is also known for its lobby, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s first jobs as an architect. Examine the intricate terra cotta detailing of the outside of the building and marvel at the interior, where Wright’s signature style meets the opulence of early 20th-century Chicago.
Linger at Rookery’s façade, an almost Rococo confection that defies standard architectural categories. Covered in carvings that draw inspiration from the Orientalism that was in vogue in the late 19th century, the Rookery’s exterior, designed by famed Chicago firm Burnham and Root, is as much a draw as the inside. Spot the rooks carved over the door that give the building its name, rumored to be a sly reference to the “rooks” who inhabited the land when it served as a temporary City Hall.
Enter the building and gaze at the magnificence of Wright’s airy and spacious lobby. Find the neo-Romanesque designs of the exterior of the building reflected in the gold engravings on the marble columns. You may understand why people compare it to a wedding cake or a jeweled tiara.
Focus on the subtle details that define Wright’s work. Crane your neck at the central skylight, an innovation for its day that allowed air circulations to the upper stories in an age before widespread electricity.
The Rookery is located in the heart of Chicago’s Financial District, a 10-minute walk from Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. Drive to the building in 30 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Park nearby on the street or in some of the metered lots. Even better, use readily available public transportation, as finding parking in downtown Chicago can be difficult.
The building is open to visitors during business hours. Book a tour through the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Tours are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and last about 45 minutes.
