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Bahai House of Worship
Rating Details »
Category: Religious Organizations [Edit]
100 Linden Ave(at Sheridan Rd)
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 853-2300
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
48 reviews for Bahai House of Worship
Boasting some stunning, unique architecture, the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette is a surprising sight to behold in this quiet residential neighborhood.
The building was designed by French-Canadian architect Jean-Baptiste Louis Bourgeois, and conceived as a synthesis of (primarily) Christian and Muslim religious architecture, with various elements that point to other religious traditions. The architecture echoes the religious teachings of the Baha'i Faith, which focus upon the inherent unity among the world's religions.
The building is free and open to all, and a visitor center (also free) explains both the building, and the religion itself. The Baha'i don't have a clergy, so this building isn't quite analogous to a church or mosque. Instead, it's more like a dedicated place of worship and devotion (though there are occasional Baha'i services there). There are nine gardens that surround the building, each with a slightly different arrangement of landscaped flowers and the like, with fountains and long benches for meditation and enjoyment.
All in all, a great place to visit when in Chicago! A wonderful place for those seeking a nice quiet spot for meditation, or for the student of architecture looking to see something new.
The architecture on the temple is absolutely stunning. It is made of
ground-up quartz and a cement mixture. This temple welcomes all
religions and recognizes humanity and religion as One.
My family and I went here and I loved that there was a visitor's center
to help us learn more about the Ba'hai faith and the temple itself.
We spent about an hour touring the place and we were awed by the
intricate carvings, symbolism and the gardens w/ various "meditation
pools", as they were called.
Everyone should visit here at least once. It's the only temple in North
America.
I think it's a bit disconcerting that there are people reviewing this place that are bashing the religion itself. I mean, really - that's not the point of Yelp. Keep your opinions to Facebook and Twitter and whatever other social media sites that you post upon.
Architecturally, the building is stunning. It truly does take your breath away as you make the right on Sheridan going north from Evanston.
Inside, yes, it's not nearly as impressive as it is on the outside - but so be it. Whatever people's faith and religion is, that is there own.
I enjoy the Baha'i HOW because of how nice and welcoming the individuals there are. They can preach what they want, but they have truly added a beautiful piece of work to the Chicagoland area, and unlike many places of worship, they truly do welcome all.
I don't care who you are, this place is amazing. There is plenty of details in the inside, maybe not as much as the beauty of the outside, but what do you want.
It has some of the most beautiful and peaceful gardens in the area. The only place that has better outdoor gardens in the vicinity would be the botanical gardens of Chicago. I've been to the temple in Haifa, Israel.... and this one is not as breathtaking, but it is still an amazing addiition to any community's landscape and beauty.
The Baha'i Temple in Wilmette is an absolutely georgous oasis not far from Chicago. I kept thinking today-- I can hardly believe that I'm still in Chicagoland area!
A word to the wise-- turn off your cell phone before entering the temple. The older woman staffing the doort may threaten your life if your phone rings inside!
A breathtaking addition to the lakefront of northern Illinois. I was click clicking away the time at work and found what looked like a giant orange juicer on googley maps. It happened to be right at the end of the bike trail that follows McCormick Blvd. north into Evanston. Time for a quick post work bike ride.
The trip was nice up the bike paths, but the prize at the end was amazing. I was amid a bunch of houses on quiet streets and then WHAM! Bahai HoW appeared. It's larger than I expected and the detail was impressive.
The BHoW is, as the signs and title say, a house of worship. I try to be mindful of religious buildings and their customs/rules, but I never felt out of place or unwelcome. A nice security guard invited me to go inside and see the main area under the dome. With the last bit of sun about to set, it was great to see all of the intricate work from the inside, but I'm sure it's a whole different experience with a noon sun shining down through the glass.
It may not be the coolest attraction for kids, but I loved how meticulous the grounds are cared for and how beautifully the design of this building graces the landscape. The pictures posted are great, but it just can't do the building or it's gardens justice. Go take a look for yourself.
Even atheists dig it.
I mean, I still had to ignore my boyfriend and suppress giggles as he surreptitiously pointed at the curtain behind the speaker's platform and cracked Wizard of Oz jokes.
It's totally lovely. Take your mom.
A welcome patch of serenity in a city that can some times get ahead of itself. I first visited on a warm March day. It is beautiful, even without the garden in full bloom. It seem more quiet than the rest of the area. Great place to snap a few pictures. From the outside of course. Bahai is a house of Worship, so picture taking inside is rightly prohibited.
I can't wait to see it again in the spring, and once the visitor center is redone.
I'd seen this place from the air a dozen times before I ever saw it up close in person. It's quit beautiful, and oddly both bigger and smaller than I expected. It's dramatically tall, but not that wide on foot.
Beneath the sancuary are areas that explain the religion and the history, even tying it into modern events.
I like it, too, because you can take the "L" there. It's a long ride from the Loop, but it's totally doable.
All Chicagoans should visit the Baha'i Temple at some point. It's free, it's beautiful, it's unforgettable...
Going to the Temple has been on my "to-do" list for about 4 years now. Have you ever taken that online test that tells you which religion you are most like? Kinda funny because my husband came up Baha'i (and I came up a Reformed Jew).
We attended one of their brief devotional services. Can't say that I got much out of it but I do have respect for the religion none the less.
Special notes:
-There are only 9 Baha'i temples in the world, 1 in the US. http://www.infonet.st-...
-The visitor's center is closed until May 2009.
-The Temple is open 365 days a year.
-Bring your camera, although you can only take pictures outside.
-Some famous Baha'is include Dizzy Gillespie, Rainn Wilson, and Khalil Greene.
And the craziest part? They don't accept donations from anyone who is not Baha'i! Tell me, is there another religion that does this?
I agree with all the other reviews (it's a beautiful must-see temple, regardless of your religion) and just wanted to add some advice on getting here:
[Heading North] Sheridan curves west after passing the Northwestern campus and then continues on the next light, make a right and head North again. It'll be on the corner of Linden and Sheridan, just a few blocks from that crazy curve.
FYI The roads are under construction right now so at that curve, Sheridan only travels north--not South. Good luck finding your way home! And half of the gardens are also under construction so you might want to wait to visit until that ends, sometime next Summer.
One of seven in the world. The only one in the United States. One of the 7 wonders of Illinois.
The groundbreaking for this wonderful house of worship occurred on May 1st 1912 and dedicated on May 1st 1953. Each of the buildings symbolizes the Bahai beliefs that all people belong to one human family and that each of the world's major religions originated with one God. The nine sided dome reaches up 135 feet with a calligraphic arrangement of Arabic script that forms the words "Ya Baha u l-Abha" translated to "O Thou Glory of the All-Glorious".
I haven't been here in several years and recently revisited -- perhaps, as the years fade I have a new found appreciation for the work put into building this house of worship. A wonderful place to become rejuvenated.
The visitors center has a wonderful history of Bahai and library. Literature is in many languages both to read there and some to take home.
The auditorium (upstairs) is open every day of the year from 7am until 10pm
Visitors Center (downstairs):
10 am to 5 pm October 1 - April 30
10 am to 8 pm. May 1 - September 30
What a beautiful place.
From the gardens, to the ornate sculpture which is a one of a kind building, to the simple message of peace and love.
The perfect place to help find yourself, your god, your balance.
The serene surroundings of Wilmette by the lake is highlighted by this magnificient largest pre-fabricated concrete structure called the Mashriqu'l-Adhkr (Arabic: http://en.wikipedia.or... "Dawning-place of the Mention of God") is the Baha'i Temple of the North America.(Called as the Mother temple of the West). It was the second temple built of the 8 temples in the whole world.
It is one of the seven wonders of Illinois. People from all sects, religious beliefs/backgrounds can visit the Visitor's center, book store downstairs and Auditorium upstairs. The place is energized with positive, uplifting spiritual feeling for everyone. I was amazed at the calmness I felt when I first stepped into the auditorium with beautiful calligraphy.
The temple has nine sides with pillars having different religious symbols in them. Unity, Peace, spiritual growth, abolition of prejudices, equality of men and women and education of children are one of the key aspects taught by the Founder of the faith Baha'u'llah.
Visit the place, and see/feel/enjoy the wonder for yourself.
You can see it from a plane. You can see it from the lake. You can see it from a high rise in Evanston, if you are on the top floor.
Every time I drive by I am breathless. Walking up the steps I am full of anticipation. And I when I sit and contemplate the ceiling, my hands folded in my lap, I am serene.
Hmm, I don't have much to add to the stellar reviews by other yelpers...but here it goes. This place is astonishing on many levels. Inside the dome on the second floor, you feel like you've warped into a different world. It's so serene, so soothing...
The visitor's center is educational, particularly the little theater where you can watch a video on Bahai Faith. They believe in unity across the world with no ethnic/cultural distinctions, so naturally they have pamphlets in many different languages. I'd never visited a temple (or church for that matter) where I actually felt so 'welcomed' from the beginning.
The garden is currently covered with snow, so I can't wait til the spring/summer time when it turns all beautiful. Free admissions and parking.
A marvel of engineering and architecture.
Even if you don't support organized religion or on the other extreme, tthe Bahai temple is a sight to behold. Imagine the laser-cut lace-like Hallmark cards on a grander scale.
This Bahai temple is one of seven in the world, and they believe in equality among all religions. The location of this is near Sheriden Dr(?) and the Northwestern campus.
Definitely take a tour of their underground visitor center. It's a brief introduction, and no, they don't preach to you.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/17/2007
A marvel of engineering and architecture.
Even if you don't support organized religion or on the… Read more »
I went to Bahai once in a while .... last week I brought my friend to this temple and he was amazed by it's look both inside and out!
I just knew that there are only 9 Bahai in the world and only this one located in this country!
Tips:
You should ride the eL (Purple Xpress in the morning before 10AM) to save your time and gas. Moreover, morning view of Bahai and lake Michigan will definitely wake you up!
Go downstair to read a little trivia about the temple
then take a tour inside (don't forget to take a peek of lake Michigan and nice harbor nearby)
finally take a round walk to see it's nice garden and take some photos to make your friends jealous :-)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2007
A piece of fine art......
FYI it is during construction but you can go inside and see how great the… Read more »
sterile architechture, yet the atmosphere feels very peaceful and serene.
the man who was there was friendly and welcoming and informative.
nice grounds to walk around and take some pictures. inside it was good to just spend a few quiet moments in reflection while reading the words on top of the sides
This place is remarkable. The architecture is gorgeous. The flowers are out of sight. And, yes, if you're in the Chicagoland area for more than 15 minutes, you should go here.
The religion is homophobic, so if you want to have a commitment ceremony here, too bad. Weddings are fine, of course, and, from what I understand, free. But their discrimination loses them a star. Sorry.
I live only 90 miles from it but had never heard of it. I discovered it in 1995 by accident while attending an Argentine Tango seminar at Northwestern University ab't a mile away. I entered as a tourist and discovered there were actually others on earth that shared my views and felt I had already been a Bahai for most of my life. If the "Everybody Welcome" were not on the sign in the yard I doubt if I would have gone in. It was the writings about the Bahai Principles of The Elimination of Every Type of Prejudice and The Equality of Women and Men and noting when they were revealed in the late 1800s that sparked my interest to investigate and learn more. I was still afraid of joining "a cult" so I spent another 1-1/2 years studying it before I joined. In that first half of a year of studying the faith, I can honestly say that learned more about Christianity than thru 1/2 century through the church as well as other faiths (not so much by the actual Bahai writings, but from various Bahai authors who were also investigating and writing books about their discoveries) I think the Bahai Faith is the most wonderful thing God has ever put on this earth. There is a certain peace that one feels when meditating in the Santuary as well as while strolling thru the gardens.
THE REAL TEMPLE IS THE BAHA'I PRINCIPLES AND TEACHINGS, JESUS SAID, "I HAVE MUCH TO TELL YOU BUT YE CANNOT BEAR IT NOW, BUT WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU INTO ALL TRUTH"
Note that this is anarchitecture review and has nothing to do with opinions on the Baha'i religion:
This building is supposed to be the largest in the world of poured concrete and it is a fascinating thing to see, despite some obvious engineering problems (repeated cracking, etc.). The filigree is amazing and the lofty interior is very impressive, despite some dated touches typical of the 1950's. Surrounding gardens are beautiful and complement the structure.
You can see this in 1/2 hour or less and parking is free, so visitors to Chicago can easily include it on their itineraries. The Baha'i have only one temple per continent so it is unique in North America.
You can see this from space...an amazing feat of architecture and an absolute breath taking sight.
Honestly, it sets more of an aesthetic tone to the north shore than a spiritual tone, but what a tone!
Very nice looking building. They do a very good job on the landscape.
I have never been inside, but will go back someday.
It was a beautiful day today, so I decided to visit the temple, which was recently named one of the "Seven Wonders of Illinois".
I took the 147 bus all the way to Howard (you can also take the Red line, but the bus offers a scenic route) then hopped on the Purple line and got off Linden. From the train station, you walk about two blocks east. It's so cool because the street leading to the temple is made of cobblestones and you pass a golf course and a small bridge before reaching the temple, which is in a residential area.
The dome is simply amazing. Stay awhile to meditate.
I'm not sure how I went so long never hearing of this place. Growing up we weren't very spiritual- just Catholic. My friend and I ventured to this church on a lazy Sunday a couple of weeks ago. We were trying to find it and when we turned the corner and saw this gorgeous building we both said 'Ohhhhhhh.' It is breathtaking. Inside I whispered to my friend 'Are we in heaven?' because it's what you think heaven would feel like if you were there. The dome is beautiful, but it's the space within that huge dome that has a calming effect. The mass was better than anything I'd been to prior. Members of the faith would come up and read and there was lots of meditation. It was pretty funny when a little old lady's cell phone went off and she had to answer in the midst of all the crazy peace we were all feeling.
Please go!
Growing up the Bahai Temple was always there.
It was always beautiful. Wondurous. Pure. (except for the bats at night)
To have such an important monument in Chicagoland, is truly special.
You have no idea how huge it is until you see it in person. Stand next to it. Marvel at the detail. And then walk inside and look up....
wow.
This structure is sooo stunning, I was breath-taken by the first time I went there in the winter a few years ago when it was freezing and the structure was covered in snow, and then again last weekend when it was a gorgeous, sunny day. The detail of all the artistry is incredible too! I was a little confused by the symbols of a variety of religions on each column of the temple exterior but that is just my ignorance, I'll brush on my knowledge of the Baha'i faith another time. They were restoring one side of the temple gardens/steps but I hope it gets done soon, because I'd love to come here in spring when it is all abloom and the ponds are full and the fountains are on. Definitely worth the visit! AND it is rarely crowded, so don't worry about the crazy tourists!
The Great Orange Juicer In The Sky. That's what my siblings and I used to call the Baha'i Temple. It really bears a striking resemblance to an over-sized citrus juicer.
That aside, the gardens around the building are magnificent, and the stark red and white interior is awe-inspiring. From what I understand, there are seven Baha'i Houses of Worship worldwide, with an eighth under construction. The Wilmette location is the largest and oldest of all seven. Why they picked Wilmette? Your guess is as good as mine.
This is an awesome building that rises like a vision as you are driving up Sheridan Road. It is in Wilmette, a suburb North of Chicago.
It is a domed structure with 9 sides, with 9 gardens that bloom in warm weather. It is free to visit and full of wonderful vibes and visionary symbolism.
It took 40 years to complete and is now on the National register of historic places
A worthy destination!
Took my boy here on his visit from DC, and he was speechless. Truly a great piece of architecture.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/10/2008
"Maybe we can show government how to operate better as a result of better architecture. Eventually,… Read more »
I first came to the Bahai Temple in high school. The architecture of this building truly takes my breath away. Since then, I have visited several times, and will make a stop if I am driving down Sheridan Road. I especially love the temple during the warmer months when I can walk around the garden. It's the perfect escape when you want to get out of the city.
This place is beautiful. Although I never prayed in here, it makes you feel at home as soon as you step inside. "The auditorium, with its walls of lace-like ornamentation and its dome rising 135 feet above the main floor, offers a scene of unsurpassed beauty" Im going to look into getting married here.
The first sight of this white domed architectural masterpiece as you round the bend on Sheridan Road will drop your jaw for sure. The location is just north of Chicago city limits, on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The drive along Sheridan from either direction is magnificent, passing the North Shore's historic residence mansions. I visited as often as I could when I lived in the area, hung out on the grounds, enjoying the views. Sweet memories.
Great architecture. The Bah' Faith is a very interesting concept, take the time and grab a pamphlet while you're there. Minus one star because the inside smells like old people.
This place is stunning and I find it inspiring just being near it. It is designed after a lotus flower. There is a visitor center and gardens around it and the lake is just across the street.
This is one of the most beautiful structures in all of Chicago. Its very intricately designed and is surrounded by beautiful, green gardens. Whether you go here for a stroll around the gardens or actually take a guided tour of this building, you will definitely enjoy your visit.
This place is amazing. I want to go back. It's just so beautiful and peaceful. Plus, it's free. And there's lots to learn there about the Bahai faith if you're interested.
This is truly an architectural marvel! I have lived within a few miles of this my whole life and I am still in awe every time I pass it. This place is open to the public year round so stop on by and check it out. You don't have to be of the Bahai faith. You will be knocked off your feet when you see it!
