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Baha'i House of Worship, Wilmette

4.8
#14 of 137 in Historic Sites in Illinois
Religious Site · Architectural Building
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The Baháʼí House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois (or Chicago Baháʼí Temple) is a Baháʼí temple. It is the second Baháʼí House of Worship ever constructed and the oldest one still standing. It is one of eight continental temples, constructed to serve all of North America.
The temple was designed by French-Canadian architect Louis Bourgeois (1856–1930), who received design feedback from ʻAbdu'l-Bahá during a visit to Haifa in 1920. To convey the Baháʼí principle of the unity of religion, Bourgeois incorporated a variety of religious architecture and symbols. Although ʻAbdu'l-Bahá participated in a ground-breaking ceremony in 1912 that laid a cornerstone, construction began in earnest in the early 1920s and was delayed significantly through the Great Depression and World War II. Construction picked up again in 1947, and the temple was dedicated in a ceremony in 1953.

Baháʼí Houses of Worship are intended to include several social, humanitarian, and educational institutions clustered around the temple, although none have been built to such an extent. The temples are not intended as a local meeting place, but are instead open to the public and used as a devotional space for people of any faith.
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Baha'i House of Worship reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
473 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • This is the most spiritual place I've encountered in my 60 years and having traveled throughout the world. As a place to visit, I highly recommend, the gardens, the visitor center and paying close... 
    This is the most spiritual place I've encountered in my 60 years and having traveled throughout the world. As a place to visit, I highly recommend, the gardens, the visitor center and paying close...  more »
  • After seeing posts about this place on TripAdvisor we finally decided to visit since we were nearby at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. It’s quite impressive and near the lake. Just remember that... 
    After seeing posts about this place on TripAdvisor we finally decided to visit since we were nearby at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. It’s quite impressive and near the lake. Just remember that...  more »
Google
  • It feels a bit strange writing a review of a house of worship. This is such a majestic landmark. The building, grounds and interior are immaculate. The 8 inspirational and unifying sayings in the interior are quite uplifting. There's a serenity you feel once you enter. Hard to describe. The sheer majesty and beauty of the dome-shaped building is overwhelming in a comforting way.
  • Very beautiful place specially when you go in summer and fall season. It's not a huge place but you can find the peace inside the temple and good walk to go around the temple. Very beautiful water fountain surrounded by beautiful plants. You can take great photos n videos here. Parking is free.

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