Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Skyscrapers

4.8
(70 reviews)

1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

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
Food and drinks
Coat check
Storage for luggage and strollers

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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

End point

Monadnock Building. Actual ending location may vary.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    Meet here to start the tour.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    View the building from the outside

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    The Rookery Building

    View the building from the outside

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    View the exterior of the building

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Marquette Building

    View the building from the outside

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    View the exterior of the building

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Chicago Architecture Center

    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

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by Chicago Architecture Center

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Tags

Architecture Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Seasonal
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.8 Based on 70 70 reviews
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