Explore Chicago's City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower

The Chicago Water Tower is one of the city's oldest structures and a defining symbol of Chicago's ability to recover from anything. Built in 1869, the Old Chicago Water Tower now houses the City Gallery, which is a exhibition space meant to display the photographic art of local artists. Sitting on a plaza along Michigan Avenue, the Water Tower has always been open to tourists and visitors who are attracted by the unique architecture and historical value of the tower. Only in 1999 has the space inside the now retired tower been used as a gallery space where the beauty and culture of Chicago can be displayed.

The Chicago Water Tower was once one of the tallest buildings along Michigan Avenue, but it is now dwarfed by the tall high rises and vertical shopping malls that surround it. Finding and recognizing the Chicago Water Tower is not hard though, its defining limestone architecture cannot be missed. Across the street from the tower is the larger pumping station, which is done in the same limestone architecture.

The Water Tower is significant though, because it is the only remaining building today that made it through the Great Chicago Fire that burned most of Chicago to the ground. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the Water Tower has established itself as a symbol of Chicago and earned a place as one of Chicago's favorite tourist destinations.

The City Gallery is located inside the small space that was once the held the pumps in the tower, 806 North Michigan Avenue. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 - 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 - 5:00 p.m., the City Gallery makes a perfect destination for those new to Chicago wanting to get a feel for the city as well as locals who appreciate photography and enjoy seeing the city in a different way.

The photography exhibits that are displayed in the gallery space are always Chicago based in theme, but every one looks at a different side of the city in a thought provoking way. Anything from architecture to a cultural district to sidewalk art to pedestrian shots can be found during your next visit. Local artists are almost always chosen to feature a collection, but everyone from college students to world famous artists to Chicago natives who enjoy photography as a hobby can be chosen.

Gallery staff as well as helpful city guides are on hand in the Water Tower during open hours. Due to its central location the Water Tower is very easy to get to from the Red Line, several bus lines that run down Michigan Avenue and several tour companies use it as a pick up spot. During the Holiday and summer months, Chicago's free trolleys also have a Water Tower stop in the plaza.