This hidden gem is found in the iconic Marshall Field store on State & Washington in downtown Chicago. Yes, I know it is now Macy's but to me it will always be Marshall Field's. I will always remember going to the store especially during Christmas to see the decorated store windows and to visit Santa Claus and eat at the famous Walnut Room...we will cover in another post.
Marshall Field was born in Massachusetts in 1835 and came to Chicago when he was 22 years old. He worked as a stock clerk and then joined Potter Palmer and Levi Leiter . In 1864 Palmer sells his company to Field and Leiter and in 1881 Marshall Field buys out Lester and Marshall Field's is born.
Marshall Field was such a forward thinker and brought many luxuries to shopping that we still enjoy today such as in store lavatories, in store restaurants, bridal registry's and escalators. His motto was "Give the lady what she wants" and "The customer is always right." Those were the days.
But one of the most beautiful treasures that Marshall Field left us was a one of a kind Tiffany dome. In 1907 the 5 story atrium was capped with this dome. The largest ceiling of its kind in the world. It took over 50 artists and 2 years to complete. It is covered with 1.6 million Tiffany favrile glass, mostly blue and white tone iridescent tiles.
Originally there were 4 Tiffany light fixtures - today only 2 remain. In 1960 the fixtures were used for an advertisement and one of the fixtures were damaged. The other fixture resides at the Target Headquarters (who owns Macy's) in Minneapolis.
So the next time you are in Marshall Field's be sure to look up and see one of the most amazing ceilings ever!
Marshall Field's
111 N. State Street
Chicago, Il
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