Chicago Architecture Foundation

Vary by tour

Chicago is not only the birthplace of the skyscraper--it is also where most of the innovations in early skyscraper design and technology originated! Take a step back in time for an informative look at some of our world famous early skyscrapers including: Burnham and Root’s Rookery (1888) with its Moorish revival exterior and recently restored Frank Lloyd Wright interior; Adler and Sullivan’s Auditorium Building (1889) a masterpiece of engineering, design and acoustics; Holabird and Roche’s Marquette Building (1895) an outstanding example of the Chicago School of design; and Holabird and Root’s Chicago Board of Trade Building (1930), one of the city’s most glamorous Art Deco skyscrapers.

November, 2007 – April, 2008: Daily at 10:00am
May - September: Daily at 10:00am and 3pm (no 3pm tour on Weds.) Wednesday at 5:30pm (Happy Hour tour)
October: Daily at 10:00am and 3pm (no 3pm tour on Weds.)
November - March 2009: Daily at 10:00am

NOTE: Not offered on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day

Immediately after World War II, Chicago reestablished itself as a world capital of Modern architecture. We examine many of the buildings that helped earn Chicago such acclaim, from the elegant minimalism of Mies van der Rohe's Federal Center to the brawny expressiveness of the Richard J. Daley Center. We also trace the evolution of Modernism in the hands of a second wave of notable architects such as Helmut Jahn and the rise of such Postmodern structures as Philip Johnson's 190 S. LaSalle. Modernism is once again flowering in Chicago, and we'll look at contemporary examples like the recently completed tower at One South Dearborn (DeStefano Keating, 2005).

October, 2007 - April, 2008: Daily at 1:00pm
May – September: Daily at 1:00pm Fridays at 5:30pm (Happy Hour tour)
October – March 2009: Daily at 1:00pm

NOTE: No tours given on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

Come see some of the great architectural landmarks of State Street and Michigan Avenue from the late 19th/early 20th centuries. This was a time when Chicago was determined to be a great cultural—as well as commercial—city as evidenced and encouraged by the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. You’ll see buildings by Burnham, Sullivan, Holabird and Roche and other noted architects—including the Reliance Building, Carson Pirie Scott & Co., the Chicago Cultural Center, the Palmer House and the famous Michigan Avenue street wall. You’ll visit beautiful interior treasures that even many Chicagoans don’t know exist. You will hear the stories behind these architectural gems and the men and women who have added so much to the commercial and cultural life of this city. As icing on the cake, this tour also touches on Millennium Park, Chicago’s exciting new 21st century park, outdoor gallery, garden and music venue.

March: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2pm
April: Daily at 2pm
May – September: Daily at 2pm Thursdays at 5:30pm (Happy Hour tour)
October: Daily at 2pm
November – February 2009: Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 2pm
March, 2009: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2pm

Though you may have already visited the Park, our in-depth tour is sure to enhance your knowledge and experience. Find out how top architects, artists and engineers collaborated with Chicago’s movers and shakers to transform an ugly railway and parking lot into a place that has thrilled millions and become the envy of cities throughout the world. Our docents explain the inspiration for Anish Kapoor’s huge reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, nicknamed the “Bean,” and Jaume Plensa’s ever-changing high-tech Crown Fountain. We explore the art and architecture of Frank Gehry’s exuberant Jay Pritzker Music Pavilion and sculptural BP Bridge. Discover the many ways that Kathryn Gustafson’s Lurie Garden symbolizes Chicago history and see how the Park has become the world’s largest roof garden. Learn how the new addition to the Art Institute, designed by Renzo Piano, will connect to the Park.

April: Friday and Sunday at 11am
May – September: Friday and Sunday at 11am Tuesday at 5:30pm (Happy Hour tour)
October – November: Friday and Sunday at 11am

Intersections define cities--streets, cultures, ideas and architecture come together and visually communicate cultural history and stimulate new ideas. Chicago's downtown intersections are at the core of the city's vibrancy. Intersections: An Introduction to Chicago Architecture is a two-hour walking tour that introduces architecture from 1871 to the present, and serves to create the context for Millennium Park.

The tour explores five street intersections: Michigan and Adams, Dearborn and Adams, Clark and Randolph, State and Randolph and Michigan and Randolph; and five architectural styles: Chicago School, Beaux Arts, Modernism, Post Modernism, and Deconstructionist. Different combinations of architectural styles, building ages, urban space uses from commercial to governmental to cultural, and varied economic, ethnic, religious and racial groups integrate to tell a city story.

Features of classic Chicago buildings, including the Marquette Building, Federal Center, Daley Center, Thompson Center and the landmark Reliance Building are examined during the tour. The tour culminates with a visit to Millennium Park, the ultimate Chicago intersection where world-class art and architecture continue traditions of juxtaposing old and new and celebrates our culture's similarities and differences.

March - November, 2008: Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am

Join your CAF docent as we admire the soaring exteriors and opulent interiors of some of Chicago’s most magnificent Art Deco skyscrapers. You’ll learn about the origins of this short-lived but lively architectural style; the difference between Jazz Deco, Classical Deco and Streamlined Deco and the important role that Chicago played in the international Art Deco movement.

January - March: Thursday and Saturday at 11am
April: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 11:00am
May – September: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:00am Monday at 5:30pm (Happy Hour tour)
October: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:00am November – March 2009: Thursday, Saturday at 11:00am

NOTE: No tour on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, Christmas Day, December 25 and New Years Day, January 1, 2009.