Richard J. Daley Center – Chicago, IL

Richard J. Daley Center

The Richard J. Daley Center is the premier civic center of Chicago and the seat of Cook County government. Standing 31 stories tall and famously fronted by the untitled monumental sculpture by Pablo Picasso, this building houses the largest division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. It serves as a central hub for a vast array of government services, including the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Cook County Law Library, and various administrative departments.

Services and Departments

• Circuit Court Clerk: Filing locations for Civil, Traffic, and Chancery cases.
• Vital Records: The Cook County Clerk’s office for obtaining birth, marriage, and death certificates is located in the lower level (Pedway).
• Law Library: A comprehensive legal research facility open to the public and legal professionals.

Building Access and Security

As a high-profile government facility, the Daley Center enforces strict security measures. All visitors must pass through airport-style metal detectors and have their bags x-rayed upon entry. During peak hours (morning call times), lines can be long. The building is fully accessible and connected to the Chicago Pedway system, linking it to City Hall and public transit.