Josephinum to be Featured in Open House Chicago 2020

Josephinum will open its virtual doors to visitors on Oct. 16-25 during the Chicago Architecture Center's Open House Chicago (OHC) 2020 celebration. The school's Modernist structure, 1501 N. Oakley Blvd. in Wicker Park, will be featured for the third consecutive year with this year's event re-imagined to ensure the safety and health of our community. Visitors may visit Josephinum in person to view the building exterior and campus grounds. A virtual tour of the interior of Josephinum's building will be available on the OHC application and on our website. 

Josephinum has had a constant presence in Wicker Park since 1890, when the Sisters of Christian Charity opened the school. The original wooden school building was replaced for fire safety reasons in 1959 with a building designed by Chicago architect Michael Gaul. Visitors will discover a cafeteria with floor-to-ceiling glass block walls and a library featuring windows shaded by a geometric concrete screen. The gym, also decorated with glass block, and the kitchen, formerly the home economics room, are also included in the virtual tour. 

OHC is part of a worldwide movement of free open house events that began in London in 1992. Today more than 40 cities worldwide hold similar weekend festivals. OHC is the second largest event of its kind globally.