Dome Of Unity's Joliet Arrival Means Street Closure For 2 Straight Days: No Thru Traffic Allowed

Thursday's press release from Joliet City Hall did not specifically identify the artwork as the Dome of Unity, but that's what it is.

By John Ferak, Patch Staff

Apr 30, 2026 11:10 am CDT

Joliet's new Downtown City Square opens Friday with a huge music lineup tied into the Centennial Celebration of Route 66 and 100 years of the Rialto Square Theatre. (Image via John Ferak/Joliet Patch)

JOLIET, IL — The city of Joliet's new director media engagement Sydney Thompson issued a traffic advisory on Thursday indicating that Chicago Street will need to be shut down for two days next week.

"As part of the delivery and installation of the sculpture in City Square, Chicago Street will be closed between Van Buren Street and Clinton Street beginning Monday, May 4, 2026, for two days. There will be no thru traffic allowed," Thompson's press release noted.

Safety fencing or construction barrels will define safe pedestrian routes around the construction zone. All businesses are open and pedestrian access to all businesses will be maintained during the construction.

"Additional information will be released as construction phasing progresses," Thompson noted.

On August 29, Joliet Patch published a story that contained the following headline: "Patch Readers Trash 'Dome Of Unity' $197K Sculpture Called 'Prominent Landmark' For Downtown Joliet."

Several hours after Joliet Patch shared the city's announcement that the Sijia Chen Studio has been selected to create the Dome of Unity sculpture for Joliet's new downtown City Square, Patch readers took to Facebook strongly criticizing the artwork.

According to Joliet's press release, the Dome of Unity sculpture would not exceed $197,000 in costs. Made of stainless steel with a protective anti-graffiti coating, the dome will feature Chinese paper cut techniques that incorporate figurative and abstract forms. These cutouts will allow light and air to pass through, cast dynamic shadows throughout the day, and contribute to the sculpture’s structural integrity.

“The Dome of Unity will not only be an iconic piece of art, but also a reflection of Joliet’s identity, history, and future,” Mayor Terry D’Arcy announced in last August's press release. “We are proud to work with the Arts Commission and Sijia Chen Studio to bring this vision to life in the heart of our downtown.”