Chicago Art Deco Skyscrapers: Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the elegance and grandeur of Chicago’s Art Deco skyscrapers. Explore the origins and iconic motifs of this architectural style while marveling at historic landmarks like the Chicago Board of Trade and One LaSalle Street.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The Rookery Building - Explore the Art Deco-inspired lobby of the Rookery, crafted by William Drummond.
  • 135 South LaSalle Street - Admire the architecture of the 135 S LaSalle St building.
  • 1 N La Salle St - Engage in a discussion about the 1 N LaSalle St building.
  • Chicago Board of Trade Building - The tour will conclude at…
What's Included
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Narration by a professional and certified Guide
  • Walking tour of Downtown Chicago Art Deco architecture
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
Additional Information

Explore the heart of Chicago’s financial district where Art Deco architectural wonders built during the vibrant ‘20s stand tall. Understand how Art Deco encapsulated the period’s spirited positivity with sumptuous materials and geometric embellishments.
Dive into the roots of Art Deco along with its quintessential features as you examine structures like…

Location
30 N LaSalle St
North LaSalle Street
Meet in front of 30 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL, USA.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(177 Ratings)
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Exploration658683
Dec 30, 2025
Art Decco at its best even in the cold! - Cynthia was wonderful. It was a very cold day and she kept us engaged and warm with her knowledge and pleasant demeanor. The lobbies don't disappoint! I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbieby1926lg
Dec 16, 2025
Art Deco 100 Years After Its Debut - Terrific tour with Cynthia, who was extremely knowledgable and interesting. She kept us moving on a cold day, and did a good job of alternating indoor and outdoor spaces. Learned a lot!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryjot96
Dec 8, 2025
Art deco tour was phenomenal. Especially on a cold winter day we were able to duck inside lobbies and warm up! - Pris was our tour guide and she was so informative. We all learned so much on our tour and had a lovely time together. I would book another tour with her!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q8909zwcarolb
Nov 30, 2025
A perfect tour of Art Deco Chicago! - This is a perfect tour to introduce you to Art Deco architecture in Chicago. Filled with historical and cultural references of indigenous people, architects and business leaders. The layout of the tour is efficient; the tour guide is concise, well-read and engaging. This is a walking tour you won’t forget!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel56424033494
Nov 5, 2025
Great presentation by Mary Jane. - Great introduction to Art Deco skyscrapers And we're from Chicago! We worked in the Loop for years and really never noticed the buildings, much less understood the significance.
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Christytg8279he
Oct 11, 2025
Beautiful building and lobbies - Great tour! Very interesting and Allison was a great guide! She knew many facts about every building we passed. She knew the answer to every question we inquired.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P4379fxmariam
Oct 3, 2025
A MUST in your visit to Chicago - Amazing experience, got to learn about present and current events in each building and learning the significance with Art Deco. Worth the trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ghosty137
Sep 28, 2025
A must for Art Deco architecture enthusiasts - The tour docent Bill C. is engaging, fun and knowledgeable. His passion for the art deco period and teaching others comes through his tour. We had a great time seeing the landmarks and meeting other like minded people. Right in the heart of downtown there is much to do before and after the tour as well
Review provided by Tripadvisor
938lesliee
Sep 25, 2025
Beautiful spaces excellent guide - Cynthia was an engaging and knowledgeable guide. The buildings, particularly the interiors were very impressive and beautiful. The L and other noises provided competition for hearing, but Cynthia managed to overcome it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eah6591
Sep 21, 2025
Five plus stars! - Fabulous! Our guide was friendly and very knowledgeable and the buildings were spectacular. One of our very favorite things about our trip to Chicago.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $35
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).