Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront

Discover Chicago’s architectural gems on the captivating "Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront" walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this small-group adventure explores five iconic art deco towers, offering exclusive access to typically off-limits interiors and strategic viewpoints. Explore the city’s rich architectural heritage as you admire the stunning facades and learn about the influential figures behind these masterpieces. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized and immersive experience. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply seeking to uncover the city’s hidden gems, this tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for Chicago’s architectural legacy.

Good To Know

• This tour explores five iconic art deco skyscrapers along the Chicago riverfront, providing insights into the city’s rich architectural history.
• Travelers can expect exclusive access to building interiors and strategic vantage points for panoramic skyline views.
• The tour is led by a professional and certified guide, offering a personalized and informative experience in a small-group setting.
• Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center is included, further enhancing the architectural learning experience.
• The tour starts at the Chicago Architecture Center and concludes at the Merchandise Mart, with convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off services available.

Tour Overview

This Chicago Walking Tour is a highly-rated 5.0-star experience, recommended by 100% of travelers.

It’s an afternoon tour that takes visitors on a journey to discover five noteworthy art deco skyscrapers in the city. The tour is ideal for architecture lovers and history buffs, offering a small-group format for personalized sightseeing.

Participants can explore building interiors often overlooked by visitors and enjoy skyline views while learning about Chicago’s architectural history.

The tour includes admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center, narration by a professional and certified guide, and convenient amenities like coat check, luggage storage, and transportation between the meeting and end points.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights the discovery of five noteworthy art deco skyscrapers in Chicago.

It’s an ideal experience for architecture lovers and history buffs. The small-group format allows for personalized sightseeing, and visitors can explore building interiors often overlooked.

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy skyline views and learn about Chicago’s rich architectural history.

The key highlights include:

• Discovering five iconic art deco skyscrapers
• Exploring building interiors typically off-limits
• Enjoying skyline views from strategic vantage points
• Learning about Chicago’s architectural heritage
• Experiencing a personalized small-group tour format

Inclusions

Included in the Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront is admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center, which provides an in-depth exploration of the city’s architectural legacy.

Visitors also enjoy the narration of a professional and certified guide, who shares insights about the impressive art deco skyscrapers along the riverfront.

For added convenience, the tour includes coat check, storage for luggage or strollers, and hotel pick-up and drop-off services.

With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, guests can expect a personalized sightseeing experience.

While access to building interiors may change, the tour promises an engaging and informative exploration of Chicago’s renowned architectural marvels.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront is the Chicago Architecture Center, located at 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601.

Travelers should arrive 15 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure. The tour concludes at The Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654.

Some key details about the meeting and end points:

• Confirmation is received at booking.
• Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation.
• Strollers and wheelchairs are accessible.
• Maximum of 15 travelers per tour.
• Access to building interiors may change due to schedules or closures.

Art Deco Skyscrapers

Spanning the Chicago riverfront, five noteworthy art deco skyscrapers captivate visitors with their sleek, geometric designs and rich architectural history.

The tour explores the interior and exterior features of these iconic buildings, including the iconic Tribune Tower, Carbide and Carbon Building, and Merchandise Mart. Guests will learn about the distinctive style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by bold, angular shapes and lavish ornamentation.

These structures not only represent Chicago’s architectural prowess but also offer breathtaking views of the city skyline.

The tour provides an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at these architectural gems, offering a unique perspective on Chicago’s architectural legacy.

Architectural History

Chicago’s architectural history is a captivating narrative that spans over a century, reflecting the city’s resilience and innovative spirit.

This walking tour offers a glimpse into the evolution of Chicago’s skyline, highlighting the iconic Art Deco skyscrapers that have shaped the city’s distinct aesthetic.

Visitors will learn about:

• The 1871 Great Chicago Fire and its impact on the city’s rebuilding and architectural development.

• The rise of the "Chicago School" of architecture and its influence on modern design.

• The engineering marvels that enabled the construction of towering skyscrapers.

• The significance of Art Deco style and its integration into Chicago’s skyline.

• The ongoing preservation efforts to maintain the city’s architectural heritage.

Small-Group Experience

A personalized sightseeing experience awaits travelers on this small-group walking tour. The maximum of 15 travelers per tour allows for a more intimate and engaging exploration of Chicago’s art deco skyscrapers. Your certified guide will provide narration, sharing their expertise on the city’s architectural history. With access to building interiors often overlooked by larger groups, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of these iconic structures.

Features	Benefits
Small Group Size	Personalized Attention
Certified Guide	Informative Narration
Building Interiors	Exclusive Access

This walking tour is an excellent choice for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a unique opportunity to learn about Chicago’s timeless skyline.

Planning Your Visit

The Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront starts at the Chicago Architecture Center, located at 111 E Wacker Dr.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure time. The tour ends at The Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza.

Keep in mind:

• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• Pets aren’t allowed, but service animals are welcome.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
• The tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers.
• Tour access to building interiors may change due to schedules or closures.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Chicago’s iconic art deco skyscrapers and learn about the city’s architectural history.

Don’t miss this chance to discover the city’s architectural gems.

Things To Known

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, allowing participants of all ages to join. However, it’s recommended that children be accompanied by an adult for a more enjoyable and educational experience.

Can Participants Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally not allowed to bring food or drinks on the tour. The tour organizers recommend eating before or after the tour, as the focus is on exploring the architecture and interiors. Exceptions may be made for water or essential medical needs.

What Should Participants Wear for the Walking Tour?

For a walking tour, participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Dress in layers as the temperature may fluctuate, and bring a lightweight rain jacket in case of inclement weather.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is conducted in English only. No information is provided about availability in other languages. Participants should confirm language options when booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour website doesn’t mention any discounts for students or seniors. However, it’s worth contacting the tour operator to inquire about any available discounts, as some providers offer reduced rates for certain groups.

Sum Up

Enjoy Chicago’s captivating Art Deco architectural heritage on this small-group walking tour. Explore five iconic skyscrapers, including exclusive access to typically off-limits interiors. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover the city’s rich history and enjoy stunning riverfront views. With a maximum of 15 travelers, this personalized experience is a must-do for architecture enthusiasts visiting the Windy City.