Chicago Architectural History Walking Tour

To me, one can appreciate a given building, or piece of public sculpture, far better when a tour guide explains the historical and cultural context. What was important in that era, and what was the architecture of that era thus trying express? I do know a lot about this. Thus, you will gain this information about each point of interest. I have taken other tours here, and I just do not hear a word from that point of view. This tour will be like an open history book to an America that no longer exists: Roman and Greek architectural styles, as well as French and British-influenced styles. Of course, you will see the latest in office building architectural styles from around the world, for those of you who just love the modern era as well.

Meeting Point

The Picasso

50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

As indicated, I am thrilled to pick you up at any hotel/AIRBNB downtown, or anywhere near N. MIchigan Ave. However, if you're far from these areas, you'll have to Uber or take our subway/bus service, which are excellent. I'll gladly tell you which subway and/or busses to take.

What's included:

• No fees during tour whatsoever. We simply walk, and take in all the breathtaking points of interest.

What to expect:

Duration: between 2 hours, 20 minutes and 2 hours, 30 minutes

The Picasso

50 W Washington St, Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center, Chicago, 60602-1305, Illinois

Pablo Picasso was the single greatest influence on twentieth century painting. You will recognize his style immediately. Mayor Daley and he were, in all truth, friends. Daley commissioned a breathtaking, two story sculpture in classic Picasso style, to adorn the giant Civic Center Plaza, in the hear of downtown Chicago. As much as the Chicago Cubs, deep dish pizza, and Lake Michigan, "The Picasso," to Chicagoans, is part of the essential breathing, beating heart of what Chicago is to us. Google it!

15 minutes

Chicago Cultural Center

78 E Washington St, , Chicago, 60602-4801, Illinois

This splendid building, from 1900, served as the main library. To me, it is the single most beautiful, even jaw-dropping interior in the United States. Chicago meant to tell the world that it was a heavy hitter on the cultural map, and the space honors all the great achievements of western civilization, in the most beautiful marble and tile work.

30 minutes

The big bean Chicago

201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60202, Chicago, Illinois

This is the most notable addition to large-scale, outdoor public sculpture in Chicago in the past twenty years. Google it if you wish. It manages to be ultra beautiful, ultra modern, breathtaking, and gentle all at the same time.

10 minutes

Tribune Tower

435 N Michigan Ave, , Chicago, 60611-4066, Illinois

For those who wish to get a glimpse of stonework from virtually every great structure in the world, this has it. Built in 1925, they have managed to get a sample of stonework from any great place you can name, and that item is embedded into the exterior. Great Wall of China, Louvre in Paris, Pyramids in Egypt, Houses of Parliament in England, St. Peters Basilica of Rome, on and on. It is as if you are taking a free tour of the world's greatest buildings!

20 minutes

Financial District

, , Chicago, Illinois

New York City of course has always been the nation's financial center. But Chicago, since 1870, has easily been the second. Nowhere is this better seen than on LaSalle St. Each bank there, some from 1880, scream out grandeur, and also beauty. You will be walking into the age before the automobile, when railroads ruled, when ladies dressed in Victorian clothing, and men wore top hats and smoked cigars any time they wanted to. It will be sort of like walking back into Ancient Rome with all its grandeur, as this style was what architects used in the heyday of this district

40 minutes

Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

220 S Michigan Ave, Chicago Symphony Centre, Chicago, 60604, Illinois

This building, the very grand Art Institute (1893) across the street, and a few giant civic monuments form a wonderful quadrant of architectural beauty, and are very "Chicago." The giant park in which the museum is located offers a sweeping and stunning view of a portion of Chicago's best and most modern skyscrapers.

20 minutes