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Visit Rotary International World Headquarters

Rotary is a global network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite to take action against the world’s most persistent problems.

You can discover how Rotary creates lasting change when you visit One Rotary Center in Evanston, Illinois, USA. Explore our history and our vision for the future through interactive exhibits and guided tours.

  1. The entrance to Rotary International World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA at night.

  2. The Rotary in Action exhibit in the lobby of Rotary International World Headquarters shows how the Rotary network acts to solve needs in their communities and around the world.

  3. On the first floor, visitors learn about Paul Harris’ vision for Rotary and how, today, we focus our action on causes that include some of the world’s toughest problems.

  4. Room 711, a replica of the office where the first Rotary club meeting was held in 1905, is a space to reflect on how Rotary has made connections for more than a century.

  5. The exhibit space on the 17th floor illustrates how The Rotary Foundation helps our global network turn ideas into action.

  6. The interactive space on the 18th floor of Rotary International World Headquarters features Rotary milestones, leaders, and our vision statement.

Rotary in Action exhibit

Rotary’s people of action use their passion, energy, and expertise to address needs in their own communities and around the world. Explore the exhibit in our lobby to learn about these challenges, how the Rotary network acts to solve them, and how you can get involved.

The exhibit is free and open to the public 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday and 08:00-12:00 Saturday, except on major U.S. holidays.

Guided Tours

Free 45-minute tours of Rotary’s headquarters take you beyond the lobby. They’re available Monday-Friday, 09:30-11:30 and 13:30-16:00. Tours are given in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

These guided tours include:

  • Room 711, a reproduction of the office where the first Rotary club meeting was held in downtown Chicago
  • An exhibit that showcases how The Rotary Foundation helps members turn ideas into action
  • The Arch Klumph Society Gallery, which honors major contributors to the Foundation
  • An interactive space that features Rotary milestones, leadership, and our vision
  • The Rotary boardroom and the offices of our senior leaders

Tours are open to Rotary members and the public. Individuals and groups of fewer than 10 people should request a tour at rotary.org/tours at least three business days before a visit. For groups of 10 or more, write to visitors@rotary.org at least 30 days in advance.

After your tour, you can visit the One Rotary Center gift shop to purchase a souvenir of your visit.

Can’t make it in person? Take a peek inside these spaces with our virtual tour.

Conference Rooms

Our first- and third-floor conference rooms are available to rent for meetings and events. They have wireless internet, a state-of-the-art audiovisual system, and interpretation equipment. Catering is also available.

Rotary clubs and districts: Write to visitors@rotary.org to learn more about hosting events at One Rotary Center. Please contact us at least 60 days before the event.

Our spaces are also available to other organizations. From a corporate conference to the latest documentary screening or leadership panel, One Rotary Center offers the flexibility and functionality needed for a successful event. Please place inquiries through the office of the building.

Explore Evanston and beyond

While you’re here, experience local attractions that make our area special.

Getting here

One Rotary Center is located at 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201-3698, USA.

  • Public transportation: One Rotary Center is a short walk from the CTA Purple Line Davis station and the Metra (Union Pacific North Line) Evanston (Davis Street) station. Please see their websites for rates and additional information.
  • Parking: Metered street parking is available around the building.

Where to stay

Enjoy a Rotary discount at these hotels, all located a short distance from One Rotary Center. Contact the hotels directly and mention the Rotary special rate.

  • Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston: +1-847-475-6400
  • Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston: +1-847-491-6400