Up the road from Evanston in Wilmette is the most visited of all the sights in the northern suburbs, the Bahá’í House of Worship, an ethereal edifice that seems not of this earth. The gleaming white stone temple, designed by the French-Canadian Louis Bourgeois and completed in 1953, is essentially a soaring, nine-sided, 135-foot dome, draped in a delicate lacelike facade, which reveals the Eastern influence of the Bahá’í faith’s native Iran. Surrounded by formal gardens, it is one of eight Bahá’í temples in the world and the only one in the Western Hemisphere. The dome’s latticework is even more beautiful as you gaze upward from the floor of the sanctuary, which, during the day, is flooded with light. Downstairs, displays in the visitor center explain the Bahá’í faith and give you a glimpse of the other temples around the world. Friendly temple members offer informal tours of the building and exhibits to anyone who inquires. Allow 45 minutes.
Chicago› Attraction
Bahá’í House of Worship
100 Linden Ave (at Sheridan Rd.), Wilmette, IL 60302
Our Rating
Hours
Daily 7am–10pm; visitor center 10am–5pm (until 8pm May–Sept)
Transportation
From Chicago, take the El Red Line north to Howard St. Change for the Evanston train and go to the end of the line, Linden Ave. (Or take the Purple/Evanston Express and stay on the same train all the way.) Turn right on Linden and walk 2 blocks east. If you’re driving, go north on the Outer Dr. (Lake Shore Dr.), which feeds into Sheridan Rd.
Phone 847/853-2300 Prices Free admission Web site Bahá’í House of WorshipMap
100 Linden Ave ChicagoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.