The Bahai House of Worship at Wilmette, Illionois, one of Chicago's outlying suburbs is one of only seven Bahai temples in the world. Each temple has its own distinctive design but they all conform to a consistent theme - a nine sided structure covered by a single dome symbolising the unity of all people and religions under God as well as an area of garden which encircles the temple.
From the short film we watched at the visitors centre, we both came to the conclusion that the Bahai faith seems to be the most reasonable, tolerant and dare I say, rational, of all religions. It has no clergy and accepts no money from non-members.
This building opposite the temple looked like it must have been part of it but it is labelled to be a private residence. Its quite majestic proportions and stature invited it to be photographed nevertheless.
This free concert recital is in the Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center, a magnificently appointed building at 78 East Washington Street. Completed in 1897 it was formerly the Chicago Public Library as well as a memorial to the Civil War Union Army veterans organisation. The building was designed to impress and to prove that Chicago had grown into a sophisticated metropolis.
The dome of the Grand Army of the Republic rotunda and hall where the veterans used to meet.
In 1991 the building was established as the Chicago Cultural Center, the nation's first and most comprehensive free municipal cultural venue.
I have to note here that we came to visit Chicago because my daughter and son-in-law live here. The city however is well worth a visit for its own sake. The amount of cultural activities available is astonishing and the rich architectural history is unique to this great city. Lots of free concerts, outdoor film screenings and neighbourhood weekend festivals and farmers markets. Mind you...........I never visited in the winter....................
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