Chicago Architecture Foundation

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 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, 2008 – April, 2009: Daily at 10:00am
• May – September: Daily at 10:00am and 3pm (no 3pm tour on Weds.)
• October: Daily at 10:00am and 3pm (no 3pm tour on Weds.)
• November - March 2010: Daily at 10:00am

NOTE: No tour given on Thanksgiving (November 26, 2009), Christmas Day (December 25, 2009) or New Year's Day (January 1, 2010).

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. (Sullivan Center), the Chicago Cultural Center, the Palmer House and the famous Michigan Avenue streetwall. 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.

• April: Daily at 2pm
• May – September: Daily at 2pm
• October: Daily at 2pm
• November – February 2010: Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 2pm
• March 2010: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2pm.

NOTE: No tour given on Thanksgiving (November 26, 2009), Christmas Day (December 25, 2009) or New Year's Day (January 1, 2010).

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, Trump Tower, and the Art Institute's Modern Wing.

• October, 2008 - April, 2009: Daily at 1:00 pm
• May – September: Daily at 1:00pm
• October – March 2010: Daily at 1:00pm

NOTE: No tour given on Thanksgiving (November 26, 2009), Christmas Day (December 25, 2009) or New Year's Day (January 1, 2010).

Art Deco was a sumptuous, modern style; its lavish materials and geometric ornament epitomized the prosperity and optimism of the Roaring Twenties. On this tour, you’ll learn the origins of Art Deco and the popular motifs that are its hallmarks throughout the world. At the same time, you’ll be sure to admire the soaring exteriors and opulent interiors of some of Chicago’s most magnificent Art Deco skyscrapers, including such city landmarks as the One LaSalle Street Building, the Field Building, and the Carbide and Carbon Building.

• April: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 11:00am
• May – September: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:00am
• October: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:00am
• November – March 2010: Thursday, Saturday at 11:00am

NOTE: No tour given on Thanksgiving (November 26, 2009), Christmas Day (December 25, 2009) or New Year's Day (January 1, 2010).