One of the finest Gothic Revival university campuses in the country — a compact, pedestrian-friendly grid of quadrangles, limestone buildings, gargoyles, and covered walkways that could plausibly be mistaken for Oxford. The university was founded in 1890 with Rockefeller money and has produced more economics Nobel laureates than any other institution.
Visitors can walk freely through the main quadrangles. The Rockefeller Memorial Chapel (1928) is the dominant building — a soaring Gothic space used for concerts and services. The Smart Museum of Art and the Oriental Institute (ancient Near Eastern artifacts, free) are both excellent and free. The Booth School of Business and Mansueto Library show how the contemporary campus balances tradition with ambitious modern architecture. Red Line, 55th-56th-57th station.