Chicago Architecture Tour: New Buildings

Discover the latest architectural developments in Chicago on a walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Center. Explore new buildings, their impact on the city, and compare them to older structures. Support education and community engagement by purchasing tickets.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Begin at the Chicago Architecture Center with opening remarks. Please note that stop durations are approximate.
  • Pioneer Court - Explore the architecture of the buildings surrounding Pioneer Court.
  • Tribune Tower - Examine the recent renovations and additions to the historic Tribune Tower.
  • **Optima…
What's Included
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide.
What's Not Included
  • Coat check
  • Hotel pick-up or drop-off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
Additional Information

Take a 90-minute journey exploring the glittering new additions around Chicago Architecture Center, particularly focusing on construction elements and their contribution to the cityscape.
‘What’s New’ showcases some of the newest enhancements to the structural environment around the Chicago Architecture Center. This pedestrian exploration centers around…

Location
Chicago Architecture Center
East Wacker Drive
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(76 Ratings)
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Ojaswitap2023
Feb 28, 2026
Chicago walking tour - The tour guide was cute and it was well organised!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancyksk
Dec 20, 2025
Not to be missed - Wow! So informative and knowledgeable. Learning about the differenes of old and new, learning about LEED Gold, the impact SOAR has and just stepping back to admire. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator26108539971
Nov 23, 2025
Loved the “What’s New” walking tour! - We have been to several CAC walking tours and loved them all. This one stands out because it focuses on the more recent structures, while providing a comparison with the older ones. Mary Jo did an awesome job in the buildup to help us understand the historical influences and contrasts in style, construction technique, environmental factors and culture. Very informative and enjoyable! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philiphe139li
Nov 23, 2025
Excellent deep dive into Chicago's newest high-rises - Our volunteer docent, Mary Jo, gave a very thoughtful and interesting 90-minute tour of some of the new buildings constructed in the Streeterville and Lakeshore East neighborhoods. The route was well-planned and she offered a lot of unique perspective on the evolution of architectural styles in the city, what's currently being built, and the ways in which community organizers have played a big role in shaping the character of these neighborhoods through architectural details like green spaces, stoops, and balconies. I really liked the way that the tour placed buildings in conversation with each other - the tour built on itself as each building referenced, copied, or contrasted the last. I learned a ton and had a great walk as well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Modeenw
Nov 14, 2025
Great walking tour! Highly Recommend! - We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of Chicago treasures. Jessica did an outstanding job of conveying all the facts in a professional yet fun manner. I highly recommend taking one of these tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debrakk1926ll
Oct 29, 2025
A delightful afternoon in Chinatown - Matt was our tour leader on the Chinatown Chicago Architecture Center tour and was fabulous! He provided interesting facts about the community interlaced with Chinese history and architecture. He was knowledgeable and shared his knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner! I highly recommend this tour and if you're lucky enough to get Matt consider yourself blessed!!! Wonderful way to spend an afternoon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I9992usmichaels
Sep 27, 2025
Rosehill Cemetery: Chicago's Civil War! - The Rosehill cemetery tour was excellent Ellen was an Ideal guide and she really was interesting and factual. We enjoyed the tour very much and hope there other tours on Rosehill cemetery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annetteal4458rh
Sep 13, 2025
Fabulous walking tour of Chicago - Bart was a true wealth of information. He did a fantastic job and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon
Sep 1, 2025
Excellent architecture tour with Mark - We had an excellent hour and a half tour with Mark. Mark was a knowledgeable, experienced guide, and we learned so much about the history of architecture in Chicago.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_j
Jul 28, 2025
Nice tour with friendly... - Nice tour with friendly knowledgeable staff. If you enjoy architecture and walking this is for you! I had already done a boat architecture tour the previous year and this was different enough to enjoy and learn some new things. Everyone in our group was from the Chicago land area. It was fun for locals and I believe would be as well for visitors.
Review provided by Viator
From $35
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).