Marble Countertop Ideas From the Chicago Cultural Center

Marble kitchen countertop, vanity top and fireplace wall in Chicago

Written by the Al Jory Marble team, countertop fabricators and installers in Crestwood, Illinois. Published November 6, 2026.

If you love stone, the Chicago Cultural Center is a must-see. It’s free, it’s right on Washington Street, and it’s packed with some of the most beautiful marble in the city. Here’s what to look for, plus marble countertop ideas you can bring home.

A Little History

The building opened in 1897 with two jobs. The Washington Street side was the first permanent home of the Chicago Public Library. The Randolph Street side was the headquarters of the Grand Army of the Republic, a group of Civil War veterans.

The City of Chicago calls it “the People’s Palace,” and once you walk in, you’ll see why.

The Marble You Can See

White Carrara marble on the grand staircase. The City says it comes from the same source as the marble Michelangelo used.
Green Connemara marble from Ireland in the south lobby
Vermont Verde marble walls in the G.A.R. Memorial Hall, carved with the names of 30 Civil War battles
Bedford limestone from Indiana on the outside, over a granite base

Look Up: Two Famous Domes

The Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall is 38 feet across and made of about 30,000 pieces of glass. It’s known as the largest Tiffany dome of its kind in the world.
The Healy and Millet dome in the G.A.R. Rotunda is even bigger, at 40 feet across, in warm tan and gold tones.

Plan Your Visit

Where: 78 E. Washington St., Chicago
Cost: Free, with no tickets needed
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on holidays. Check the City’s site before you go.

Marble Ideas to Bring Home

A white marble kitchen. Take your cue from the Carrara staircase. White marble countertops feel bright and timeless. Just know marble etches with acids, so it’s best for homeowners who like a little patina. See our marble countertops.
A bold green accent. Love that Connemara green? Use a green stone on a bar top, a powder room vanity or a fireplace instead of the whole kitchen. A little goes a long way.
A marble bathroom vanity. Bathrooms are perfect for marble: low acid, low traffic, high style. See our bathroom vanity tops.
A marble fireplace surround. Like the Cultural Center’s grand halls, a fireplace gives marble a starring role with almost no wear. Read our stone fireplace surround guide.
Mix your stones. The Cultural Center mixes white, green and limestone in one building. At home, try a tough granite or quartzite on the main counters and marble on the island or a baking station. See our quartzite countertops.

Before You Fall in Love With a Slab

See the whole slab. Every slab is different, especially colored marble.
Ask about finish. Honed hides etching better than polished.
Plan your seams. A good fabricator places seams so the veins flow.
Ask about care. Marble needs gentle cleaners and regular sealing.

Want to see more finished work? Browse our countertop gallery.

Visit Our Crestwood Showroom

Al Jory Marble is a family-owned shop founded in 2015 by Naser and Motie Hamdan. Naser brings 45 years of stone experience. We cut, edge and polish every slab in-house. If you’re looking for custom stone countertops in Chicago, come see us.

Al Jory Marble
4711 W. 135th St., Crestwood, IL 60418
Phone: (708) 362-7674
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Get a free estimate or contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chicago Cultural Center free?
Yes. Admission is free, and no tickets are needed.

What kind of marble is in the Chicago Cultural Center?
White Carrara on the grand staircase, green Connemara from Ireland in the south lobby, and Vermont Verde in the G.A.R. Memorial Hall.

How big is the Tiffany dome?
It’s 38 feet across and made of about 30,000 pieces of glass.

Where does marble work best in a home?
Bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds and islands are great spots. In busy kitchens, marble works if you’re fine with some patina.

Can I use green marble in my kitchen?
Yes, but many homeowners use it as an accent on a bar, vanity or fireplace so it stands out without overwhelming the room.