Exelon Pavilion

The Exelon Pavilions are four architecturally distinct buildings in Millennium Park in Chicago that serve a dual purpose: they generate electricity from solar energy and provide access to the park's underground parking garages. Three of the pavilions serve as entrances to the underground garage, while the fourth functions as a welcome center and office building. The complex was built by the City of Chicago in partnership with the utility company Exelon, which covered a large share of the construction costs. The pavilions are strategically positioned along the park's northern and southern edges, with the northern buildings flanking the Harris Theater and the southern ones framing the Lurie Garden.

The four structures were designed by different architects and reflect different architectural eras. The northern pavilions, designed by Thomas H. Beeby, are minimalist black cubes with a facade of recycled aluminum and integrated photovoltaic panels. They are considered the first buildings in Chicago to build solar elements directly into their structure. The southern pavilions, by contrast, were designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano. They are made of limestone and glass and are designed to blend harmoniously with the neighboring Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. The glass walls of the southern buildings offer an unobstructed view of the adjacent garden.

For visitors, the northwest pavilion is of particular interest because it houses the welcome center. Here you'll find interactive exhibits on solar energy and the history of the park, as well as a sculpture with backlit mirrors. The northeast pavilion also provides access to a rooftop terrace at the Harris Theater and houses a souvenir shop. The complex has received multiple awards for its sustainable design, including LEED Silver certification for the northern pavilions, and helps reduce the urban heat island effect.