In the wake of the recent ceremonies memorializing our city’s beloved first lady, Maggie Daley, there is talk of changing the name of our landmark Chicago Cultural Center to the “Maggie Daley Cultural Center.” Such a move, for various reasons, would be inappropriate.
Our splendid and beautiful Cultural Center, formerly the Central Library Building, was founded following the success of an eight-year preservation campaign in the mid 1970s as a publically funded center for the arts, unique in American cities in that it is maintained free of charge for all who visit.
It should continue to honor in its name the world renowned reputation of our great city, and not a figurehead personality, however well respected.
Downtown Chicago certainly does not need another Daley Center, which would be a source of confusion for visitors. Renaming the Cultural Center would also obscure the memory of various dedicated people who strove long and hard to save the building from proposed demolition. A name change would incur extra costs to taxpayers for new signs, supplies, etc. not wise in this time of fiscal austerity.
Since there is considerable public desire for Maggie Daley to be honored, the present monumental (and unnamed) Exhibit Hall could be designated, or there could be smaller subhead plaques mounted beneath the large outdoor bronze Chicago Cultural Center signs, reading “Rededicated to the memory of Maggie Daley.”
I think that all can agree that “Chicago” is the best name for our uniquely wonderful landmark. It already has the perfect name.
— Charles G. Staples, Chicago
