Illinois is famous for a lot of things, and architecture is definitely one of them. It is not uncommon to see someone photographing a building around here because we have some of the coolest buildings in the world, designed by some of the most famous architects. For you all you architecture buffs, here are 20 pieces of architectural brilliance in Illinois.
1. Willis Tower
We would be remiss if we didn't start out with the granddaddy of them all. This building, with 108 floors, is a must-see.
2. Farnsworth House
Located in Plano, this modern architectural landmark was designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1951.
3. Illinois State Capitol
The Illinois State Capitol is something to see, with a variety of styles including Greek Revival architecture, Renaissance Revival architecture, and Second Empire architecture.
4. Robie House
Completed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1920, the Robie House is one of the most important buildings in American architecture history.
5. Dana Thomas House
Located in Springfield, the Dana Thomas House is an example of Frank Lloyd Wright's "Prairie Style."
6. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Perhaps the most famous architect of all time, you know he would do an amazing job with his own crib. It is located in Oak Park.
7. Walter H. Gale House
Located in Oak Park, this house was constructed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1893.
8. Unity Temple
This was one of the first non-residential structures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built in 1908.
9. Lake Point Tower
This distinctive residential tower was designed in 1968 by John Heinrich and George Schipporeit.
10. Jamer R. Thompson Center
This center was designed by architect Helmut Jahn, with art in the front done by Jean Dubuffet.
11. Gar Hall
Inside the Chicago Cultural Center, Gar Hall has a gorgeous design, and it is not surprising it is a popular place for people to tie the knot.
12. Holy Name Cathedral
The Holy Name Cathedral is located in Chicago. It was designed by Patrick Keely in 1874.
13. Bahá'í House of Worship
Did you know that this is the only Bahá'í House of Worship in the United States?
14. Marina City
These corncob-like structures were designed by Bertrand Goldberg in 1964.
15. Tribune Tower
This famous neo-Gothic building was constructed in 1925 as the result of a contest for the best design.
16. Nauvoo Illinois Temple
The Nauvoo Illinois Temple is the 113th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
17. First Universalist Church
The First Universalist Church is in Elgin. It was built in 1892, and its design is inspired by a watchmaking company that opened the same year as the church.
18. S.R. Crown Hall
S.R. Crown Hall, at the Illinois Institute of Technology Campus, was done by the famous Mies van der Rohe.
19. Mary W. Adams House
The Mary W. Adams House is in Highland Park, built in 1905 by Frank Lloyd Wright.
20. Old Illinois State Capitol
This building (1837) was designed by John F. Rague in the Greek Revival style.
What’s your favorite piece of architecture in Illinois? Let us know in the comments–or, better yet, post a pic on the Only in Illinois Facebook page!
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