Elk’s National Memorial | The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago with Geoffrey Baer
With its Pantheon-like structure, the Elks National Memorial stands out with dramatic flair at
the edge of Lincoln Park. Credit: Meredith Francis for WTTW
Elk’s National Memorial
The stately, commanding building that houses the Elks National Memorial in Lincoln Park serves as a memorial to members of the fraternal organization who died in service. The building, whose style recalls that of ancient Roman architecture, also serves as the headquarters for the organization. Two bronze elk statues flank the entrance to the property. With a large dome and columns, the building’s exterior looks like a memorial that might be found in Washington, D.C. Those grand details continue in the interior, particularly the rotunda. Four, large statues peer down over the marble- and stained-glass-clad rotunda, each representing the four principles core to the Elks’ mission: charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity.
