Summary - Brean FIG Conference 2026

This Historic hotel is one of the oldest and the longest running hotels in the United States. Its unique and beautiful architecture is dedicated to the wife of the architect. We encourage attendees to explore the building after checking in.

The Original Brownie: We may take it for granted, but the brownie was invented in the kitchens of the Palmer House. If you’re adventurous, the recipe is available here or grab one in the Café or Restaurant during your stay.
Prohibition: Built before prohibition, the hotel has features that were intended to aid in the illicit trade. This includes secret passages.
Fireproof Rooms: After the original hotel burned down, the architect was determined to avoid this. Each room was re-designed to be fireproof. Guests during the early days of operation were bet that they could not set it on fire as long as they pay for damages. Apparently, this actually happened on a few occasions, yet the rooms contained the fire. So, enjoy your fireproof rooms.
The Peacock Doors: As you walk in, notice the one million dollar bronze doors.

This institution represents one of a historic breed of high-end spaces built for exclusive membership bases. Like a country club, most amenities are only available to members. The club is proud to be one of the earliest like it to integrate female members in 1970. A guide to the floors is available here.

Dueling Eras: The club expanded into other areas of the building as it grew. The original floors have intricate stain glass, detailed paintings, dark hard woods, beautiful clocks, and stone fireplaces one might expect in a fantasy novel. In 2017, a portion of the building was renovated. The newer styles are evident with a more modern appeal, more technology integration, and open design. Both eras are evident as the club maintains the spirit of the original architecture while adapting to changing tastes.
Member Dedication: One of the founding members painted the ceiling tiles and even the stain glass. As you see the building, pay special attention to these parts of the club.
Other Interests: For those interested, we only have two spaces in the building, but the room map shows what’s on each floor. Floors 6-8 are within our space and have the Library, original separate women’s and men’s spaces, and the Michigan room with a hand-painted ceiling and stain glass.

Adventures in Chicago

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