Chicago Open House Weekend 2024 - Friday

Earlier this year I found out about the Open House weekend done by the Chicago Architecture Center, where you get to poke around in buildings and parts of buildings where the public isn't normally allowed. I made plans to go several months ago with an architect friend of mine, but due to schedule conflicts at the last minute, she wasn't able to make it.

Left home a bit after 6, got to the airport about 7, on the plane a bit before 9, and landed in Chicago at about 10. Then by the time I got out of Midway and taken the train downtown, it was just after 11 (Doors open on the right at Harold Washington Library, State and Van Buren.) and I was right next to Gino's East, so first meal of the trip was pizza, appropriately.

After lunch and dropping my stuff off at the hotel first stop was Shedd Aquarium. Unfortunately no great pictures from there this trip. Then walked to Buckingham fountain for pictures, and luckily, I got there it was in the middle of a performance. After a bunch of pictures there, I continued on to the bean.

The last time I was in Chicago the Bean was closed for polishing, this time it was open. I'm mildly annoyed that I didn't notice I was standing at almost the exact spot the light post flag perspective was from, and didn't turn my camera sideways. That would have made a good picture.

After that, back to the hotel since I didn't sleep well the night before to rest up for a lot more walking over the next few days.