This week’s top picks in Chicago events in architecture and history include a discussion on the fascinating restoration work of the Auditorium Building, a lecture pitting Chicago and New York against each other in the development of the skyscraper, and the re-opening of a local Chicago landmark.

1. Tracking the Lost Treasures of the Auditorium – Auditorium Building, 430 S. Michigan Ave., 10th floor

LECTURE – Thursday, April 17th, 12:15pm-1:00pm

FREE

The Auditorium Building has undergone many changes over the past 125 years and in that time lost some of its historic fabric such as windows, furniture and beautiful mosaics. Luckily, some of these lost items have not been lost forever and artifacts from the Auditorium Building have turned up in strange places. Historian Bart Swindall will tell some of these unusual tales including both the successes and failures of restoring the Auditorium.

2. The First American Skyscrapers: Chicago & New York – Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie St.

LECTURE – Thursday, April 17th, 6:00pm

$15 Public/$5 Members – reservations required

Architectural Historian, Barry Lewis, will contrast early skyscraper development in New York versus Chicago first defined in the 19th century. He will discuss significant architects from both cities including Richard Morris Hunt and Cass Guilbert in New York and Louis Sullivan and Burnham and Root in Chicago.

3. Elks National Memorial Re-Opens – 2750 N. Lakeview Ave.

RE-OPENING – Starting Monday, April 14th, 12:00pm-4:00pm

FREE

A Chicago landmark, Elks National Memorial, re-opens to the public this week. The classically inspired monument was built in 1926 to honor Americans who made profound sacrifices for the nation. The building is intricately ornamented with a massive dome, heroic sculptures and detailed friezes. The building will be open Mondays through Saturdays from noon to 4pm.