Chicago Skyscraper Architecture Walking Tour
from
$30
Chicago
IL
1-10
people
price for
1 participant
1 hour
30 minutes
  • • Explore Chicago's Iconic Skyscrapers on a Historic Walking Tour
  • • Enjoy a 1.5-Hour Insightful Journey Through Architectural Marvels
  • • Experience Chicago's Most Notable Skyscraper Designs
or

Why We Love This Unique Experience

Discover the architectural wonders of Chicago on an unforgettable Walking Tour of Historic Skyscrapers. This 1.5-hour journey invites architecture enthusiasts and casual explorers alike to delve into the city’s stunning skyline, showcasing some of the earliest skyscrapers in the world. With a rich history and groundbreaking designs, these towering structures tell the story of how Chicago became synonymous with innovation in architecture and engineering.

As this engaging tour unfolds, participants will marvel at iconic buildings like the Rookery, with its mesmerizing atrium redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright, and Adler & Sullivan’s Auditorium Building, a testament to acoustical and structural brilliance. Witness the exceptional craftsmanship of the Marquette Building and admire the intricate details of the Monadnock Building. A knowledgeable guide will illuminate the historical significance of each site, unveiling fascinating stories that shaped the Windy City into a hub of architectural achievement. Additionally, tour-goers will enjoy exclusive admission to the galleries at the Chicago Architecture Center, rounding out a rich learning experience.

This Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Skyscrapers is not only an opportunity to appreciate magnificent architecture but also a meaningful gift for loved ones. Whether for a special occasion or simply to show someone how much they are appreciated, this experience is the perfect way to celebrate curiosity and a love for history and design in the Windy City.

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Experience Overview:

Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Skyscrapers

Chicago is home to some of the world’s earliest skyscrapers. Get an up-close look at these 19th Century marvels, learn about innovations used to build them and discover how they transformed Chicago into a center of skyscraper design and engineering.
Highlights on this walking tour include Burnham and Root’s Rookery (1888), a transitional building with a Moorish and Romanesque exterior and a stunning interior atrium re-designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; Adler and Sullivan’s Auditorium Building (1889), a masterpiece of acoustical and structural engineering; and Holabird and Roche’s Marquette Building (1895), an outstanding example of the metal frame expression with traditional details and decorations.

As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

Meeting Point

410 S Michigan Ave

410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

This tour meets at 410 S. Michigan Ave., outside the Fine Arts Building.

What's included:

  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Narration by a professional and certified Guide
  • Historic walking tour of Chicago's architecture

Not included:

  • Food and drinks
  • Coat check
  • Storage for luggage and strollers

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Fine Arts Building

410 S Michigan Ave, , Chicago, 60605-1308, Illinois

Meet here to start the tour.

10 minutes

Auditorium Building

430 S Michigan Ave, , Chicago, 60605-1315, Illinois

View the building from the outside

10 minutes

The Rookery Building

209 S La Salle St, , Chicago, 60604-1219, Illinois

View the building from the outside

10 minutes

Chicago Board Of Trade Building

141 W Jackson Blvd, La Salle Street, Chicago, 60604-2992, Illinois

View the exterior of the building

5 minutes

Marquette Building

140 S Dearborn St, , Chicago, 60603-5202, Illinois

View the building from the outside

5 minutes

Monadnock Building

53 W Jackson Blvd, , Chicago, 60604-3606, Illinois

View the exterior of the building

5 minutes

Chicago Architecture Center

111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, 60601-3713, Illinois

This building is not directly part of the tour, however, the tour ticket includes admission to the galleries at the Chicago Architecture Center

1 minute • Admission Ticket Included

Details & Important Info

Additional Experience Details & Important Information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour will depart from the Fine Arts Building, 410 S Michigan Ave.
Not recommended for young children.
Pets are not allowed.
Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.

Cancellations & Refunds

Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds

Changes to reservations for tickets can be made until 3 days prior to the date scheduled. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.

Organized by

Chicago Architecture Center

Product SKU: US-7731-0002
Google Business Profile: Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago Historic Skyscraper Architecture Walking Tour

(53 reviews)
Chicago
IL
1-10
people
price for
1 participant
1 hour
30 minutes
  • • Explore Chicago's Iconic Skyscrapers on a Historic Walking Tour
  • • Enjoy a 1.5-Hour Insightful Journey Through Architectural Marvels
  • • Experience Chicago's Most Notable Skyscraper Designs
or

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