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Chicago Walking Tour: Exploring Modern Architecture
4.9
40 Ratings
Chicago
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:
1 day
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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 Building - View the Inland Steel Building.
- Daley Center - Marvel at Richard J. Daley Center, one of the first buildings to be covered in an unpainted steel called Cor-Ten. The docent will also discuss the famous “Chicago Picasso” artwork in the plaza.
- AMA Plaza, Upper Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL - Discuss the AMA Plaza, formerly home to the office of Mies van der Rohe.
- Marina City - Highlights include Marina City, a mixed-use residential-commercial building designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, envisioned as an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.
- Apple Michigan Avenue - View the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue.
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 by landmark buildings, public art, city planning, or administration, this tour is for you. Unearth the narratives behind inland steel, Marina city, the IBM building, and other skyscrapers worthy of a ‘Mad Men’ scene.
As an accredited nonprofit, all CAC ticket proceeds directly fund our educational initiatives and community outreach programs.
- Pets are not allowed.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
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
4.9
(40 Ratings)
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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
Di2101
Jul 8, 2024
Great tour - Great tour of modernism/reviving the loop. The docent Dave was knowledgable and friendly. Would definitely recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F7037xxallans
Jun 27, 2024
Modern architecture walking tour a must do in Chicago - Really enjoyable and informative tour of modern architecture in Chicago. Our guide Michele was great!!! She did a great job of making this material really accessible and fascinating for someone with little knowledge.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
977maryseg
Jun 23, 2024
Great tour - Anna was amazing! We loved the tour and we could’ve walked a lot longer even through the heat. We learned so much about architecture and really enjoyed the buildings. Thank you so much for an unforgettable tour from your Montréal friends!
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Sat915nd2
Jan 29, 2024
Fun and Informative Tour - My wife and I took this tour Nd we enjoyed it. Matt was our tour guide and did a great job. We learned many new things and got to see some buildings in a different light. Tip - Dress warmer than you think you need...it is the windy City.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richardgh1161as
Oct 30, 2023
Great Experience! - John I was so insightful and polite throughout the tour. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn about some of the newer sky scrapers in the city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tesakay
Jun 8, 2023
Mid Century Modernism was Marvelous - Brent was a fantastic docent. Knowledgeable and charismatic. The tour was informative and I feel certain I can now identify MidCentury Modernism. :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
