Welcome to the Richard J. Daley Center Website
Originally named the Chicago Civic Center upon its 1966 debut, the building was renamed the Richard J. Daley Center in 1976 to pay tribute to the late mayor following his passing.
As the home of the Circuit Court of Cook County and associated government bodies, the Richard J. Daley Center boasts prominence. Housing the largest circuit court in Illinois and one of the world’s most extensive unified court systems, it handles over 2.4 million cases annually.
Within the Daley Center, you’ll find the esteemed law library. Offering comprehensive legal resources, it houses one of the nation’s largest collections of law books, encompassing statutes, case law from various jurisdictions, and numerous Illinois practices.
Post-construction, the City of Chicago engaged Pablo Picasso to craft a steel sculpture for the plaza. Dubbed “The Picasso,” this monumental modern artwork sparked initial controversy but has since become a beloved city icon. Renowned for its cubist style and innovative use of multiple perspectives, it solidifies the Daley Center’s status as a Chicago architectural gem.
Daley Plaza has evolved into a favored event venue over the years. Drawing numerous visitors annually, it hosts a variety of attractions including City Markets, Cultural Noontime Programming, and Chicago Food Trucks.
You can reach the Richard J. Daley Center at:
50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-603-7980