Here We Are Art Show
ELGIN TOWER BUILDING
This 15 story structure has been an inspiration since its creation in 1929. A beacon of hope in hard times, The Tower Building has encouraged dreams of renewal & new days and opportunities just around the corner.
The Tower Building, built in the Art Deco style, boasts of a variety of architectural details used to communicate financial interest and success.
ELGIN HISTORY MUSEUM “OLD MAIN”
Constructed in 1856, it was originally part of the Elgin Academy campus, known as Old Main. Today it is brimming with treasures, artifacts and stories of Elginites of years gone by.
ELGIN PUBLIC MUSEUM
This grand Neo-Classical building has quite the history! From being a very fancy hay storage facility to housing the City Dog Pound, these walls have truly seen it all! It is now known for its natural history collection & fun family centered activities for the residents of Elgin. It is also the oldest Neo-Classical style building built to be a museum still being used for that purpose in Illinois.
GAIL BORDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Gail Borden is the jewel of Elgin. Named in honor of Gail Borden in 1892 by request of his stepsons, who donated the funds to the first library building. This main branch building was opened in 2003 and has been a community destination ever since. If you are an Elgin resident or just passing through, the Gail Borden Public Library needs to be a stop along your way!
HEMMENS CULTURAL CENTER
The Hemmens Cultural Center was built in 1969 because of one woman, Hattie Pease Hemmens, who upon her death left over 1 million dollars to the city to “...establish and maintain a not-for-profit Community Building & Auditorium in the City of Elgin, Illinois, for the benefit of the inhabitants of the said City of Elgin...”.
Today the Hemmens is home to the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra and provides space for dance recitals, theater productions and a host of other creative endeavors undertaken by the people of Elgin.
EXPLORE ELGIN
There are so many places and spaces to discover in this city. Below are just a few that capture the eye and imagination on any given day in Elgin, IL.
HISTORIC HOMES
Established in 1835, Elgin has been home to a wide variety of people. As various groups of immigrants settled here they brought with them unique styles of building. Many homes from the 1800s and early 1900s still stand tall. From Italian Renaissance to Dutch Colonial Revival and many, many more, a leisurely walk around town will be sure to awe and delight. This Queen Ann Victorian can be found on Du Page St.
DAVID C. COOK PUBLISHERS | Formerly at 850 N Grove Ave.
Not all historic buildings survive. The David C. Cook building, once a state-of-the-art, high functioning facility and work place to over 150 people, was demolished this summer. This loss was a poignant reminder of the collective will and active effort it takes to preserve the past and bring it forward into the present.
PAVILION AT LORDS PARK | 100 Oakwood Blvd.
The Pavilion at Lords Park was built in 1898 and remains one of Elgin’s most valued landmarks. It was the location of many Elgin community gatherings including a speed skating competition in the 1960s on the adjacent lagoon.
Today the pavilion and surrounding park are a local favorite. The park is home to the Lords Park Zoo, The Elgin Public Museum and the Lords Park Pool in addition to beautiful walking paths framed by grand old trees.