Burnham Pavilions

The Burnham Pavilions are two white structures with curved lines in Millennium Park that use steel frames and fabric to create distinctive shapes. Both buildings contain interactive exhibitions inside that tell the story of their design and their role in the park.

These buildings were created in 2009 to commemorate a century since Daniel Burnham's major urban design plan for Chicago. That 1909 plan shaped how the city developed and influenced Chicago's modern growth.

These structures show how modern architecture can serve the public by creating spaces for meeting and learning. The white pavilions function as gathering points where visitors discover ideas about urban planning and design.

You can visit both pavilions during the day and admire the white shapes from outside or step inside to explore the displays. Volunteer guides are often present and can answer questions about the architecture and the park.

One of these structures was designed by architect Zaha Hadid and contains thousands of specially curved aluminum pieces beneath the white fabric covering. This fine craftsmanship is visible from inside and reveals the technical complexity hidden behind the simple outer appearance.

Location: Chicago

GPS coordinates: 41.88164,-87.62289

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04