Chicago Architecture Tour: Exploring Iconic Buildings
5.0
13 Ratings
Chicago
Discover the iconic buildings of Chicago on this engaging architecture tour. Explore the city's rich architectural history and see how old and new structures connect to create a unique urban fabric.
Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • Wrigley Building - View the Wrigley Building and some of the surrounding buildings
  • Marina City - View Marina City and discuss some of the surrounding buildings
  • Daley Center - View the Daley Center and surrounding buildings
  • Reliance Building - View the Reliance Building and surrounding buildings
  • Jay Pritzker Pavilion - View the Pritzker Pavilion and surrounding buildings
What's Included
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Walking tour featuring Chicago’s renowned buildings
  • Guidance by a professional, certified guide
What's Not Included
  • Coat check
  • Food and drink
  • Storage for luggage and strollers
Additional Information

This vibrant exploration of Chicago’s architectural landscape takes you through famed structures from the 1890s to the current day. Our journey will allow us to appraise diverse buildings with a variety of architectural designs, examining how past constructions have influenced the city’s modern skyline.

We will have seven engagement points in downtown Chicago, allowing us to juxtapose the rich histories and diverse styles of edifices in close proximity to each other. Our travelogue includes visits to Commercial 19th-Century, Beaux-Arts, Mid-Century Modern, and Postmodern structures, along with the latest works by renowned architects like Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano, and Adrian Smith. At every stop, we’ll delve into the interconnections between the bygone and the current, and explore what stimulates contemporary architectural creativity. This enlightening expedition ends with a trip to Millennium Park, a blend of world-class art and architectural brilliance which enhances the city’s distinctive urban texture. Being a certified nonprofit, every ticket purchase directly benefits our educational programs and community outreach activities.

  • Pets are not allowed.
  • The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
Location
Chicago Architecture Center
East Wacker Drive
Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(13 Ratings)
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Latetanguis
Jan 6, 2024
A fantastic experience - Wonderful! The docent was very knowledgeable and clear. She made us appreciate the ways in which buildings interact with each other
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mshikesalot
Dec 12, 2023
Great Architecture Tour! - Peter was a wonderful tour guide. He showed my husband, daughter and I quite a few buildings, explained the different types of architecture, and gave us some historical perspective. We started at the CAC and ended at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. We learned about Beaux-Artes, Modern, Post-Modern and Contemporary architecture. It was mostly outside but he took us inside some to see beautiful interior details. Peter clearly knows his stuff and is a passionate and engaging guide. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arleneg763
Nov 18, 2023
Enjoyable tour! Would recommend - Nice and informative tour! Enjoyed the history and beautiful architecture- thanks Tom for sharing your expertise
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sshah17
Jul 23, 2023
Enjoyable walk through historic and modern architecture - Great overview of buildings along the riverfront and in the Loop. We've taken several CAC walking tours, and really enjoyed this one with Larry, a docent who deeply knows his architecture and history. It is about 2 hours long. We enjoyed seeing many different styles of buildings, learning about their influences, and being able to walk inside a few of them. We are from Chicago and it's very worth buying the annual membership to go on as many of these walking tours as possible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Prbraun
Jun 24, 2023
Really worth it - Jennifer is a great, knowledgeable, enthusiastic docent who opened our eyes to appreciating things we had seen and not fully appreciated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jet825073
Apr 3, 2023
Amazing walking tour - This was my first time in Chicago and i only had two days to explore the city. With this tour ("Connecting past and present), led by Bill, I understood the city in a way that would be impossible to do by myself, even if i had a whole week. Bill's story put a meaning to the wonderfull skyline of the city that i was seeing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristingd1801lu
Dec 3, 2022
A pleasant and informative afternoon - Very informative - a visit inside and outside of buildings I would not normally have noticed. Concise yet thorough. I learned a lot! Tom was an insightful and knowledgeable guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gerrym624
Dec 3, 2022
Don’t miss this on your trip to Chicago - Tour was with the Chicago Architecture Centre and our guide was Tom. Outstanding experience and Tom was the reason. His knowledge was excellent and it was clear he had extensive understanding of the past architects and their work. Picked great position’s to stop and compare buildings. Flexible and great at making conversation. Highly recommended. Great value for money and I will definitely do another tour on my next visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susiedawson
Oct 20, 2021
Some of the Best of Chitown Revealed - On Thurs., Oct 14, Lisa gave me a wonderful tour of iconic buildings. Everything she shared on each fabulous building was riveting. I saw and learned so much I did not know about Chitown. Lisa was highly knowledgeable, and the time flew by too quickly. Thank you for sharing all this information, Lisa. I appreciated all of the knowledge you have and highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Queensol
Oct 9, 2021
Awesome! - Awesome tour and tour guide, Jill, gave us a wealth of information and showed us a whole lot of various architecture that exemplifies what Chicago is all about!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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