Chicago Architecture Tour: Exploring Art Deco Interiors

Step into the glamorous world of Art Deco interiors on a Chicago Architecture Tour. Explore stunning buildings and hidden gems, and discover the beauty that lies behind closed doors.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago - We make several interior and several exterior stops to explore downtown Chicago’s most famous and beautiful Art Deco buildings from the 1920s through the 1930s.
What's Included
  • Expert-led tour with a professional guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Art Deco style, while evocative of a bygone era, actually represents the vision of the future from a 1920s perspective. The gleaming materials and meticulous detailing scream opulence, luxury, and sophistication. On this excursion, you’ll follow the trail of those who were intoxicated by the promise of what could be, prior to the notorious ‘29 Crash. We’ll travel through various impressive interiors located within the Loop and near the Chicago River. Not only will we visit famous Art Deco structures in the Loop, we’ll also stop by a few buildings familiar from well-known boat tours. The main highlight is that we’ll be venturing where most boat tour participants never set foot: inside these breathtaking Art Deco structures. Get ready to be awestruck by the beauty hidden behind closed doors, an unknown splendor to many.

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
425 S Financial Pl
South Financial Place
We meet in the outdoor plaza outside 425 S. Financial Place, next to the horse sculpture.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(23 Ratings)
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609kingan
Aug 20, 2024
An Engaging and Informative Tour of Chicago's Hidden Art Deco Gems - We had an incredible experience on the guided tour through Chicago's Art Deco buildings. The tour provided us with a wealth of fascinating information about the city's architectural history. What made it even more special was the opportunity to go inside some of these buildings. We were amazed by the stunning interiors, which we had no idea were so beautiful. Our guide, (unfortunately, I cannot recall her name, her parents were from Alicante) was knowledgeable and engaging, making the entire experience both educational and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in architecture or Chicago’s rich history!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Iddof3
Aug 17, 2024
A potpourri of architecture, history and culture - Hillary is a font of knowledge on Chicago architecture. Her tour is meticulously prepared, and she seamlessly fuses history, high culture, pop culture, art, and literature into a captivating story. She answered all questions thoroughly and even took a brief detour following one of the questions to answer them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hagalaz1080
Jul 11, 2024
Best out of my other 6 walking tours! - This is the best walking tour in Chicago I've attended. During my stay, I went on six walking tours, and Hilary's Art Deco tour definitely stood out. Hilary and her guide, Maya, highlight details you might otherwise miss, transporting you back in time and helping you appreciate the stories and design decisions of the era. I enjoyed every moment of this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lookoutforluxury
Jul 8, 2024
Fantastic private tour - This was a most entertaining and informative tour. Our guide, Heath, was brimful of illuminating stories that really brought the dazzling interiors and the City's public art to life. Because there were just two of us we were able to have a real dialogue and we enjoyed the tour so much that we returned the following day to visit some of the buildings again, using his recommendations. Fabulous liaison beforehand with Hilary too, perfect start to our holiday!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Romac1471
Jun 17, 2024
Well worth your time. - Hillary is fabulous. She owns the business and is totally invested in everyone having the best time and getting something out of their time on the tour. This Art Deco tour was super interesting and such a treat to see inside some amazing buildings. I was thrilled to be a tourist in the city I live in sharing the experience with an international guest and local friend. Well worth doing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stevesf9574oi
May 15, 2024
First Tour of a Great City - Hillary was a great guide and very knowledgeable. Our walk took us into some amazing examples of art-deco architecture including the Chicago Cultural Center, which is a must see. Thanks Hillary!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J7558enpamd
May 13, 2024
Amazing experience. - I was the planner for a group coming from all over the country for their annual meeting. My job was to find activities for guests and spouses. I found Inside Chicago Walking Tours on line. I was so incredibly pleased with the communications with Hillary. AND the tour was amazing. She is so knowledgeable and witty. She tailored the tour for our group and interests. Of course Chicago is an amazing city and she showed it off in all its glory. I highly recommend this company and I will definitely be scheduling another tour just for my family!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melannclark
May 9, 2024
Fabulous Chicago lobbies and buildings - An excellent tour of the unexpected interiors of Chicago’s most beautiful buildings. Coleen was an excellent guide. Follow the rule of go through the door you don’t know what your going to find 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X5975upcarolinew
May 2, 2024
Go Go Go! - We had so much fun! Colleen was very knowledgable and friendly. We got to see some pretty spectacular sights! A great way to spend a Chicago afternoon. Even if you live in the city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
638maryseh
Dec 4, 2023
Art deco in Chicago is great! - Very interesting visit, really reasonable group size, with lots of information and explanations. Very positive point: the explanations aimed at understanding what art deco is, not encyclopedic data. This is thanks to our guide Haley, who was very friendly, clear, and super available. We learnt a lot !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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