Chicago Walking Tour: Exploring Modern Architecture

Discover the iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture of Chicago on a walking tour. Explore buildings by Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg, and SOM that set the stage for the future of architecture.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Your tour begins at the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Visit the CAC to view a 4,000-building scale model of Chicago or shop in the award-winning store.
  • One Prudential Plaza - View the Prudential Building.
  • Aon Center - View the Aon Center.
  • **Inland Steel…
What's Included
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Walking tour of Chicago’s modern and postmodern architecture
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
Additional Information

Seeking emblematic Mid-Century Modern design? There’s no better destination than Chicago, boasting a trio of modernist architects (Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg, and SOM) and a city that welcomed them warmly. Discover what made these buildings distinctive from their predecessors and how they laid the foundation for the future.
If you’re fascinated…

Location
Chicago Architecture Center
East Wacker Drive
Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(45 Ratings)
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793jingw
Oct 4, 2024
Great tour - The walking tour of the city was great, very informative and interesting. Michelle was amazing as tour guide. Enjoyed despite the rain.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert
Sep 15, 2024
Modernism - Luis was a great guide. He made it very interesting and colorful. We totally enjoined him and his description of modern architecture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I6133crdaveb
Aug 18, 2024
A Fabulous Tour! - The tour was fabulous - as was our guide. Michelle was well prepared, engaging, witty, and so approachable. You should take this tour if you are curious regarding the intricate Chicago skyline - and I hope Michelle is your guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michaelbi5587aq
Aug 18, 2024
Modernism with a touch of Chi summer rain - The modernism tour with Michelle was fantastic. I loved seeing how the term modernism evolved with the city and the building materials (Apple, Marina City, AMA, Prudential). We had some periods of heavy rain on the tour but our guide kept us pretty dry.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K7144bmlindap
Aug 11, 2024
Modernism: Reviving the Loop - Jackson did an incredible job guiding us in understanding the work of modern architects in Chicago.His detailed knowledge, welcoming style, and ability to answer our many questions helped make this a memorable tour. His love of architecture was infectious!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachelsj8404ej
Aug 4, 2024
Great tour! - Beth was amazing! Very educational and fun tour. Easy to understand and learn. Docent made sure we were comfortable and in the shade as much as possible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jackjmn
Jul 20, 2024
Highly recommend walking tour - Great walking tour through modernism. Docent was a great guide, friendly and knowledgeable. Just the right length, around 1.5 hours
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Methebest
Jul 19, 2024
Amazing architecture walking tour! - Paul the tour guide was great! In total, there were only four of us, so it was a really personal experience. Learned a lot about both the architecture inside and outside the loop. Earbuds to listen to the tour guide were provided, which had clear sound quality. Admission to the two exhibits at the Chicago Architecture Center were also included.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P3356escatherineh
Jul 16, 2024
Engaging Tour & Guide! - Hannah M. was a wonderful tour guide - very engaging and personable! She provided a lot of interesting information about modern Chicago buildings. I learned so much about the history of the city and love how she framed the tour by bringing in the three common themes of materials, the mayor, and Mies.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andieherrerag
Jul 15, 2024
Modernism: reviving the loop! - The tour is very interesting. There’s a ton of architecture history in Chicago. Listening about different materials that influenced construction post WWII was fascinating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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November 2024
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