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 - Start at the Chicago Architecture Center. Introductory remarks.
    Note: stop durations are estimates.
  • Pioneer Court - Discuss some buildings surrounding Pioneer Court
  • Tribune Tower - Discuss recent renovations and additions to the Historic Tribune Tower.
  • Optima Signature Apartments - Discuss trends in…
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
(58 Ratings)
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Lynnwahl
Sep 29, 2024
606 Tour - The 606 tour was outstanding! Really enjoyed it! The tour leader was excited and enthusiastic about the tour! She was very Knowledgeable too! I highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Noraatc
Sep 26, 2024
Big thanks to our guide, Paula! - We arrived at the Chicago Architecture Center to take a walking tour “What’s New”at 5pm. Surprisingly, we were the only two tourists joining this wonderful tour led by charming and very knowledgeable docent, Paula. She showed us a variety of Chicago architectural gems and familiarized us with their stellar design done by different Chicago architectural firms. We have seen both older (Wrigley Building, Chicago Tribune building, Intercontinental Hotel, etc.) and newer landmarks (465 N.Park, the St. Regis, the Trump Tower). Each of these magnificent buildings has its own very recognizable face and unique architectural design. It was also very interesting to learn about different construction methods in the Windy City and the challenges the engineering firms faced in order to protect the buildings from fire and mitigate skyscrapers’ swaying in high winds. If you get lucky, Paula will be your guide in the city she loves. She generously shared her passion with us and we fell in love with Chicago from the first sight. Thank you so much, Paula!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachelsj8404ej
Sep 3, 2024
Great tour! - Fun tour! Learned a lot about Chicago and the newest buildings! Would recommend any of the architecture center walking tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U5314fsmichaels
Aug 18, 2024
Highly recommend all tours - Very informative! The knowledge of the docents is just incredible. I always learn something, no matter how many tours I take. Burt was a delight and a real trooper despite the rain.
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U19pgrichardt
Aug 14, 2024
What’s new? Great tour - It was a great way to discover this neighborhood of Chicago’s downtown. Our docent was very friendly. Rene made our experience unique and not boring at all! I loved how he brought personal experiences to some of the buildings. He kept the energy of this tour even though was a hot day, he was sure that we were in the shade or able to take breaks if needed! Definitely will take more tours with Rene or the CAC!
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Kellydx7373kr
Aug 13, 2024
What’s New in Chicago: a great tour! - This tour was just what we were looking for! As Chicago-area residents, we have already done tours on the river, watched shows about the history of Chicago, and been to the CAC. The What’s New Tour helped us learn about newer buildings and buildings yet-to-come. Maureen was our tour guide and was very friendly, knowledgeable, and a great teacher! I hope to do this tour in the future when there are new buildings to learn about.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelleg4451
Jul 15, 2024
Fun and interesting! - Equal parts fun and interesting! Learned a lot and had a very good time. If you are able, take a tour with Paul - knows his stuff, charming and witty. I have walked these streets many times but from now on will do it with a completely different perspective - so interesting!!
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529lulus
Jul 15, 2024
Fantastic Experience! - Our guide Paul was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and kept us cool despite the heat! I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert
Jul 8, 2024
Very interesting! Our docent knew a lot about the subject and was very happy to share the information with us. - Beautiful buildings! Our docent was excellent! She was friendly and very interesting to talk to. She had a great personality and was very polite.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D2386wzchristines
Jul 7, 2024
Who knew? A nugget of a neighborhood. - This is an excellent tour of an area downtown that’s very close to the Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue, but actually a fairly quiet and elegant neighborhood. We’ve lived in Chicago for 10 years and were unaware of this area. The tour guide was excellent: clear, concise, friendly and very knowledgeable. The tour covers different styles and periods of Chicago’s architecture but the emphasis is on the new. It was a beautiful evening and we dined along the quieter side of the Riverwalk after the tour and watched all the boats, kayaks, and the sunset on the buildings. Lovely evening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $30
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).