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
(48 Ratings)
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A9263tblh
Jan 26, 2025
Mies’ Pieces & Much More (Modernist Architecture) - Our guide Paul was fantastic! Super knowledgeable and passionate about modernist architecture. He was more than willing to brave the frigid cold for my out of town friend and I (we were the only two guests on the tour). I’ve lived in Chicago my entire life, went to school downtown, and was given a fresh perspective and appreciation for several buildings I have passed many times but had not taken much notice of. Highly recommend the tour, and kudos to Paul for his excellent guidance.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cameronk679
Dec 30, 2024
Great tour guide! - Had a spectacular time nerding out about cool buildings and infrastructure would book another! Paul was great very knowledgeable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markusd997
Dec 1, 2024
Very enjoyable walk - Great and knowledgeable tour guide. Very much recommended tour! Gave us a great overview of modernistic architecture in Chicago
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sheryls839
Nov 27, 2024
Look up and appreciate Chicago’s master designers and builders - As a Chicago native I was amazed how much new information and historical perspective my wife and I got. Our docent was truly excellent
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jillwest7
Oct 31, 2024
Wonderful and enjoyable tour! - We are always impressed by the quality of the docents at the CAC. Our tour guide, Ed, was an architect. He is not only knowledgeable, but he is also passionate about Chicago architecture. Consequently, he inspired us with his enthusiam. We learned a great deal and thoroughly enjoyed this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
Lynda_z
Nov 17, 2024
Tour was canceled without notifying me. - My tour was canceled when I got to where it was to begin. I was not notified and annoyed to have planned my vacation day around this. I asked the Architecture center to credit my VISA. They could not as I Booked via a 3rd party. I rebooked another tour later that day. By then it was much colder and very windy. Tour guide was very good and tour was great. But I opted out at the end as it was getting dark and much colder to walk around. If you want an architecture tour go to the canter or website and book direct. Third party booking creates problems . Most of all I was annoyed that tour was cancelled when I got there. The architecture center is definitely worth a visit.
Review provided by Viator
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