Hyde Park: A Cultural Destination in Chicago
Have you visited the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago? Located seven miles south of the Loop, between 51st and 60th Streets, Hyde Park is a unique destination and well worth a visit. Home to the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park is a rich oasis of culture. The culturally and racially diverse Chicago neighborhood of today was originally founded in the late 1880’s by Paul Cornell. Visitors can’t help but feel the history in its landmark buildings, world-class museums, stunning residences, and Olmsted-designed parks.
Historic Buildings in Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s eastern edge is Lake Michigan – see the lake from the 57th Street Beach or Promontory Point. From here, you can see downtown Chicago and smaller towns along the lake shore in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. The beach and man-made Promontory Point are situated in Burnham Park, a 600-acre lakefront park that stretches all the way to Grant Park in downtown Chicago.
You can visit a number of significant historic structures in the neighborhood. Many are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
The University of Chicago and its neo-gothic grounds are a good place to see historic buildings in Hyde Park. Be sure to see the Rockefeller Chapel, Bond Chapel, and the lovely Midway Plaisance, a wide stretch of green lawn located on south side of campus.
St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 5472 Kimbark Avenue was completed in 1924 and houses magnificent devotional artwork, much of which is cataloged in the Smithsonian Institution.
First Unitarian Church is located at 5650 S. Woodlawn Avenue. The Chicago Children’s Choir was founded here in 1957.
Shoreland was opened in 1926 as an apartment hotel, just steps from Lake Michigan. In 2013, the hotel was converted into luxury apartments. Designed by Meyer Fridstein in the Classical Revival style, it is located at 5454 South Shore Drive.
Garden of the Phoenix was built in 1893 and is located in Jackson Park, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry. The Phoenix Pavilion was gifted to the City of Chicago by Japan at the close of the World’s Columbian Exposition.
Windemere East at 1642 E. 56th Ave. overlooks Jackson Park. Like Shoreland, it was originally an apartment hotel. Today, it is a sophisticated apartment building within easy walking distance of the university, restaurants, and shopping.
Hyde Park’s Museums
Few communities can boast the number and quality of museums that make their home in Hyde Park. Take time to visit a few.
Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, it was originally the Palace of the Fine Arts at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893.
Hyde Park Art Center is a FREE contemporary art museum at 5020 S. Cornell Avenue featuring arts events, classes, and a library.
The DuSable Museum of African American History is located on the west edge of Hyde Park at 740 East 56th Place. Exhibits, programs, and activities illustrate African and African American history, culture, and art.
The Oriental Institute Museum is on the U of C campus and the collections feature a large collection of artifacts from the ancient Middle East, many of which were excavated by U of C archaeologists.
Hyde Park’s Residences
Hyde Park boasts some pretty special residences worthy of your time. The most famous home in Hyde Park is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House. We were there for an architectural event a few years back and have toured the home on several occasions. It’s a masterpiece of the Prairie style!
You can walk/drive by many beautiful homes in the oldest part of the neighborhood bordered by E. 53rd & E. 55th and S. Woodlawn Avenue & S. Harper Avenue. Look for the following lovely examples:
• Henry Work House – 5317 S. Dorchester Avenue
• George Blossom House – 4858 S. Kenwood Avenue
• Heller House – 5132 S. Woodlawn Avenue
• Frank Lillie House – 5801 Kenwood Avenue
• Robert Millikan House – 5605 S. Woodlawn Avenue
• Barack and Michelle Obama House – 5046 S. Greenwood Avenue
You can read more about Hyde Park Houses in Jean F. Block’s book which we have right here in the office – feel free to stop by and borrow it!
The Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago is a must-see destination for landmark buildings, world-class museums, stunning residences, and Olmsted-designed parks. Make plans to see it soon!
