Standing proudly against the sky, the Baha’i House of Worship is hard to miss if you know what to look for. The oldest Baha’i temple in the world and the only one in North America, “The Mother Temple of the West” is a magnificent building constructed in the 1950s to celebrate the unity of all world religions. Pray, meditate or simply enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, which seem a world away from anything else.
Walk slowly up the steps leading to the building, letting the details of the exquisitely carved exterior come into focus. Follow the exterior to the nine gardens, wandering in the meticulously planned flowerbeds or sitting for a moment as you look up at the pillars, each adorned with ancient symbols of the world’s religions. Enter the welcome center and watch a video about the history of the Baha’i faith and the construction of this temple. Chat with friendly volunteers, who will gladly take you on a tour.
Head back through the gardens, pausing to enjoy the stonework and refreshing spray of the fountains that sit in the entrance to the temple itself. Inside, the ornate exterior is replicated in a dazzling swirls and symbols that seem to imbue the space with a majestic calm. Crane your head back to look at the Baha’i symbol in the top of the dome, which proclaims the “Greatest Name.” Sit for a while in one of the chairs to meditate, letting the complete silence transport you to another place.
Drive to the Baha’i House of Worship in 40 minutes from Chicago’s downtown, 30 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport or 5 minutes from Northwestern University’s main campus. Reach the temple in 1 hour via public transportation from Downtown Chicago. Ample free parking is available on site.
Visit daily from early in the morning to late at night. Access to the inside is limited during services, which have times posted online. The welcome center is open from mid-morning to evening, with truncated hours during winter months. Dress modestly to visit this spiritual spot.
