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Architect Explores Chicago's Hidden Architecture & History

Released on 11/15/2022

I'm Lynda Dossey, I'm an architect,

and today, we'll be taking an architectural walking tour

of the Loop in downtown Chicago.

[slow jazz piano music]

In the early 1880s and through 1900,

during the first economic boom of Chicago,

all the train lines were built in the Loop

to, sort of, demarcate the downtown area.

We are standing in front of the Monadnock building.

It was completed in 1891,

and it is the last, possibly,

but definitely the tallest,

fully masonry, load-bearing high rise.

It caps out at 291 feet

and, pretty much, met the limit that you could go for height

for a true, load-bearing structure.

You can track how the loads are translated vertically

by looking at the windows at the top

where the depth of the thickness of the wall

is only 18 inches.

But by the time we come down to the base level,

the walls are six feet thick

and they actually get thicker below grade

working their way to a raft foundation

that's sitting on Chicago's marshy soil.

At the entrance, they used granite

to, sort of, demarcate where you go in

and carved the name onto the building,

but all the rest of it is brick,

layered upon layer upon layer upon layer,

and it gives this, sort of, sculptural quality

as though the whole building has been carved from clay,

just because of the uniformity of the material.

The majority of the buildings at the time

were highly articulated.

The original design of this building

was intended to face over the brick

with a highly ornate Egyptian motif,

however, other people in the firm, and the owner,

decided to leave it as is showing the raw form

and the raw materiality of the building.

So, the oriel bays, and also the tri-part window,

where you have the central window

with the two flanking windows,

is a very typical style for the First Chicago School,

here in Chicago,

that began with the first round of skyscrapers

in the 1880s to the 1900s.

We're in front of the Inland Steel building.

It's the first building that was built in the Loop

in over 20 years and it was completed in 1958.

As the headquarters of the Inland Steel

manufacturing company and steel provider,

they wished the building to express

all the many products and services that they offered.

So, as a consequence,

they made the decision to use brush stainless steel

over their entire facade with glass.

It marks an extreme departure

from the majority of buildings

that had been built in the Loop to that time.

Up until this point, most of the high rises here in the Loop

were all masonry or terracotta clad or stone clad

on top of a steel frame construction.

In this building, you can see the steel

on the exterior of the building

and it's clad solely in glass.

There's no motifs, there's no ornament.

It's just stripped down raw materials

as minimally as possible.

This stripped down, minimalist, pure brute form

is, kind of, what defines the Second Chicago School.

It espoused upon many of the ideas that Mies van der Rohe

had been sprinkling around Chicago in some of his own works.

The columns were all articulated

along the edge of the floor plate

and long span beams were installed between the columns

which means there are no interior columns

and it is one big floor plate of nothing

to lay out for office space.

The express structure on the outside of the building

as the aesthetic ended up being, kind of,

a defining moment of the American skyscraper

moving forward after World War II.

We're across river from Marina City,

one of Chicago's cities within the city.

Marina City was the first post World War II complex.

It houses retail, a marina, an office building,

a movie theater, and a skating rink, when built,

but it was capped off by these amazing residential towers

that are just striking.

When completed, the towers were the tallest,

residential tower in the world,

but also the tallest reinforced concrete building

in the world.

If you were to compare and contrast this building

to the other buildings in the area,

in the 1960s was an exploration of concrete

in the Beton Brut form, as a high rise here.

This is, kind of, pushing past

the original Beton Brut aesthetic

into something more elegant.

But unlike the other systems,

of where you're framing with steel, which has to be square,

concrete allows you great fluidity of form.

That's clearly evident

when you look at the structural ribs and cantilevering

that's happening.

You can see the beams coming up off of the columns,

springing and curving around, creating the actual structure

that keeps the cantilever spanning.

The uses of the buildings have evolved now

so that the office building is now a hotel,

the movie theater is now a performing arts venue,

and the skating rink is gone and replaced by a restaurant,

but the marina is still active,

and the housing towers are still

some of the most amazing views and apartments in the city.

So, the building behind me, mostly above me,

is the Willis Tower,

although most locals will refer to it as the Sears Tower

because it was built by the Sears Roebuck Company

as their headquarters.

They had to buy 15 different buildings,

and pay the city $2.7 million,

to close and decommission a street,

so they could put together two whole city blocks.

During the process,

they discovered that the bundled tube system

is the most efficient way to build tall.

You have one square in the center

that's, sort of, being braced

by all the surrounding squares.

So, as you look at this building,

there's one square that will continue up

to the very top of the building,

and, as the other ones come on,

it starts to self buttress itself all the way down

and the floor plates get smaller and smaller.

There is a local story

that they bundled together nine cigars

in the office one night and pulled them up

to the highest that they wanted,

and that's how they determined the final design

of the top of the building.

For 25 years, this was the tallest building in the world,

and it is still the tallest building in Chicago.

For tourists, you can go up to the observatory floors

where they've added, recently,

a new feature called the ledge.

If you look closely at the very top of the building,

you, sort of, see these glass boxes

protruding out of the facade

and you can look through a glass floor all the way down.

We're standing in front of the Thompson Center,

formerly the State of Illinois Building.

It was built by Helmut Jahn and completed in 1984.

He won a design competition

and his competition was, let's just say,

less conventional than the others that were submitted.

The building relies on an extruded donut plan

taking up the whole site,

but then it carves away the whole south eastern facade,

opening up to the government buildings

that are catty-cornered opposite the street,

and it also allows pedestrians on the outside

to be able to look in and see their government at work.

The whole concept was this idea

of transparency in government.

The color scheme is one of those things

that is frequently debated amongst Chicagoans,

but the general idea was it was red, white, and blue.

As part of that carve on the southeast corner,

the facade also tilts its way back,

which actually allows more light into the atrium,

but it also allows a relief to the city blocks around us.

All of these buildings are very square and tall

and they just, kind of, compress you in.

So, by carving the building back,

you're creating a relief for everyone on the plaza.

The glass is a mix of many different types of glass,

so some of it's reflective, some of it is clear,

some of it is Spandrel glass, which is back painted,

some of it is metal panel that's glazed in

to give the pattern across the surface.

The building also ties into the CTA Clark station,

which is the one of the busiest CTA stations in town,

as all the train lines in the Loop come to it,

including the Blue Line that runs out to O'Hare.

This is the point of departure into the downtown area.

If you walk up to the building,

you can get a glimpse into the atrium,

and you can see all the exposed structure

that's holding up the atrium blazing,

and also all the different balconies

and interconnecting stairs

between the levels inside the atrium.

So, it's a very super tech kind of building.

All the structure is exposed and revealed

and it's telling you the story

of how the building is put together.

We're standing in front of Aqua Towers,

completed in 2009 by Studio Gang architects,

headed by the design efforts of Jeanne Gang.

It is world famous and well known for its undulating facade.

The facade is not random.

The idea was to stretch out the balconies

as far as you could,

to look around all the forest of other high rises

around here to seek a better view

for something else in the city.

The other benefit of all those towers

is it breaks up the facade,

which also breaks up the reflections on the glass,

actually making this high rise bird friendly

to the point that PETA awarded it its Proggy award,

also in 2009.

The building was not performed

in any sort of three dimensional CAD.

The curves were mostly followed along by hand

on trace paper, similar to how one might do animation.

Right now we're in front of 150 North Riverside,

completed in 2017 by Goettsch Partners,

and Magnusson Klemencic as the structural engineers.

This building is rather remarkable

in the sense that it's on a lot that nobody wanted

because they thought it was too hard to build on.

25% of the lot is allowed to be built on.

That's the only part of the building that touches the ground

and actually goes down into foundations.

A part of that is a consequence of the fact

of the riverfront setback requirement by the City,

that's occurring on this side,

that sets the building back 75 feet from the river's edge.

On the other side, were the Amtrak train lines

that prevented any structure coming through down below,

and limited what could be built up above.

From level eight down to level four,

are cantilevering columns,

that are bracketing the floor plates back to the core,

and holding the whole system up.

For this reason, a lot of the locals refer to it,

alternately, as the Guillotine and the Tuning Fork

and the Champagne Flute

'cause we are fond of nicknaming our buildings here.

But it's an amazing feat of engineering

and this building has already won countless awards

for both design and engineering.

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The 17 best architecture tours of Chicago

Discover Art Deco skyscrapers, modern marvels and Frank Lloyd Wright–designed homes on these architecture tours of Chicago

Even if you're a longtime local, there's something special about taking in the city's architecture on foot or from the water with the help of an expert. From glass and steel castles to ornate Art Deco buildings to street art and cultural landmarks in our neighborhoods, there's a reason these tours are among the best attractions in Chicago . Nerd out over the design, engineering and construction behind the most beautiful buildings in Chicago on guided walks, bus rides and boat tours . First-time visitors will be happy to know that these architecture tours double as sightseeing walks of the best Chicago attractions —you might even be able to snap a few Instagrams along the way. Here's a few of our favorite tours that are equally engaging for tourists and Chicago lifers. 

RECOMMENDED: Check out the full guide to the best Chicago tours

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Architecture tours of Chicago

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise

For a comprehensive overview of Chicago’s skyline, there’s no better vantage point than aboard Chicago's First Lady. You’ll spy more than 50 architecturally significant buildings, from the Wrigley Building to newcomers like the St. Regis. An expert guide will give you the lowdown on Chicago’s rise from the Great Fire of 1871, the advent of balloon-frame construction and other crucial moments in the city’s history. Choose to cruise by day or watch the city light up with an evening option.  $52

Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

You're certainly not short on great options to see Chicago's stunning architecture from the river. On Shoreline Sightseeing's signature 75-minute tour, you'll observe more than 40 landmarks, including Tribune Tower and Marina City. A knowledgeable guide shares the stories behind the architects, engineers, movers and shakers that gave us the nickname "City of the Big Shoulders." $43-47

Chicago's Original Architecture River Tour

Travel the Chicago River in style with a bartender, an entertaining tour guide and killer views as you explore the city's architecture on all three main branches of the Chicago river. A 45-minute version is also available. $42

Must-See Chicago

Want to check out Chicago's architecture but short on time? Try this 90-minute "Greatest Hits" walking tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, which offers an informative, fast-paced introduction to key landmarks. The tour includes stops at more than a dozen buildings, including the Chicago Theatre, Aqua Tower, Willis (Sears) Tower, the Wrigley Building and the Art Institute of Chicago. Make sure to bring something to take notes! $30

One of the coolest aspects of Chicago architecture is that it's always evolving, with new landmarks continuing to shape our skyline. This 90-minute tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation is all about what's new in Chicago, taking guests to buildings like 462 N. Park and the St. Regis and discussing their impact on the city's changing built environment and economy. $30

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Bus Tours

These tours, led by experts dedicated to preserving and educating about the work of Chicagoland's most famous architect, are definitely not cheap, but a must for Frank Lloyd Wright superfans. (Frankenstans?) The "Wright Around Chicago" includes stops at the gorgeous Rookery Building and Wright's home and studio in Oak Park, while the "Wright Along the Lake" tour includes a visit to the exquisite 1915 Emil Bach House. Oh, and lunch and a prosecco toast are included. $195

Free Tours By Foot's Architecture Tour

If you're traveling on a budget, you can still get an excellent overview of Chicago's architecture thanks to Free Tours By Foot's pay-what-you-can two-hour walking tours. These volunteer-led tours take you to key landmarks like Cloud Gate, Marina City, the Leo Burnett Building and works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. 

Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers

Take a trip back to the Roaring Twenties with this tour, which takes you through the history of many iconic Chicago buildings. Choose from the Loop route, which includes One North LaSalle and the towering Board of Trade, or the Riverfront route for the gold-topped Carbide and Carbon building and the Holabird and Root-designed 333 N. Wacker Drive. Admire the geometric shapes, vibrant colors and sophisticated elegance that Art Deco construction is so well known for on these two-hour walking tours. $30

Chicago Mahogany Tours

Although these tours (which are created and by civic historian and TikTok star Shermann "Dilla" Thomas) aren't exclusively architecture-focused, the built environment plays a huge role in their explorations of the history, contributions and legacies of South Side neighborhoods like Roseland and Back of the Yards. And from Bronzeville's beautiful boulevards to Pullman's historic workers' homes, there's plenty for architecture buffs to explore on these important tours. 

Chicago For Chicagoans

Live in Chicago and feel like you've done all the downtown-centric architecture tours? Maybe it's time to give Chicago for Chicagoans a go. The tours, developed for locals by locals, are designed to build community and give Chicago natives a stronger appreciation for their neighborhoods and neighbors. Enjoy walking tours and fun scavenger hunts of Albany Park, Chinatown, Pilsen, Beverly and more—and the tours frequently end at local restaurants if all that walking works up an appetite.

Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture

If you prefer sleek metal and glass designs to ornate Gothic architecture, you’ll want to book a spot on this two-hour walking tour of the city’s most famous modern buildings. Peep minimalist designs from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, admire the Beaux-Arts beauty of the Harold Washington Library and ogle the chic contemporary look of One South Dearborn, among others. $30

White City Revisited

The announcement that the World’s Columbian Exhibition of 1893 would be held in Chicago spurred an explosion of new construction. Beaux-Arts buildings sprung up all over Jackson Park and the South Side—so many sparkly new buildings, in fact, that the area earned the nickname “White City.” More than 125 years later, visitors can still see the architectural impact of the fair on the city. This tour includes a visit to Jackson Park's Garden of the Phoenix and the Skylanding sculpture by Yoko Ono. $30

Private Chicago Architecture Tour

Don’t want to share your tour guide with a group? Reserve a private tour to spend an entire afternoon exploring the city’s most impressive buildings. You’ll stop at everything from Willis Tower to Gothic facades on the Magnificent Mile to Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park. Did we mention you’ll be chauffeured from stop to stop in a luxury town car or SUV, too? $930.60

Women in Chicago Architecture

As in so many industries, women’s contributions to the world of architecture have only recently begun to get their moment in the sun. Discover some of the female architects leaving their mark on Chicago’s skyline on this 45-minute virtual tour led by an expert from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, featuring sites like the Aqua Tower and Equitable Building. Who built the world? Girls! $8 for the public, free for members

Brick of Chicago

What's so exciting about brick? Common brick built much of Chicago, and this tour, created by local teacher Will Quam, takes you around neighborhoods like Logan Square, Hyde Park and Bronzeville to show how the built environment created our interesting and beautiful city. After marveling at churches and greystones and Gilded Age mansions, you'll find yourself taking a second, more appreciative look at the world around you. $12–19

Historic Austin

This 2-hour neighborhood-centric Chicago Architecture Foundation tour takes you through historic Midway Park, shows you works by prominent local architects including Frederick Schock, William Drummond and Dwight Perkins and gives you an opportunity to marvel at the neighborhood's grand Queen Anne and Prairie homes. During the tour, you'll also hear from Austin residents about their efforts to revitalize the neighborhood following decades of disinvestment and racist housing practices.

Walk Pilsen

Explore the cultural influence and impact of the many immigrant groups who have called Pilsen home and the intersection of art and architecture on this tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. On this two-hour tour, you'll visit residential, commercial, residential and cultural sites, from the 18th Street Pink Line station's murals to the Sokols, century-old Czech athletic clubs. $30

Looking for more Chicago tours?

The best Chicago helicopter tours

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To get the best views of Chicago's picturesque urban sprawl, you need to take a helicopter tour.

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Thanks for coming to Open House Chicago 2023

Thank you all for joining us and a huge thank you to all the sites, community partners, sponsors, and volunteers for your hard work and dedication to this event.  We couldn’t do it without you!

Let us know about your OHC 2023 experience, take our survey here . If you're interested in being a volunteer for OHC 2024, let us know here . 

See you next year for OHC 2024 on October 19-20! Make your experience even better,  members with the Chicago Architecture Center receive a priority access pass and skip the lines at sites during OHC weekend. Join now and enjoy the CAC's full slate of programs and tours all year.

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Chicago River Architecture Tour

Chicago's Original Architecture Tour®

Experience the city’s legendary architecture from the best seat in the house—the river. Our experienced tour guides detail the 130 year long history behind the skyline, while our bartenders and staff keep you comfortable and entertained. This comprehensive tour navigates through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River. It’s the one thing everyone tells you to do in Chicago, done right.

Schedule & Tickets

• Adult: $44.00
• Child (4-12): $20.00
• Under 4: Free (ticket required)

TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE BUT ARE TRANSFERABLE.

• Parking & Directions
• More Information
• COVID-19 Safety
• Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
• All bags are subject to inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Outside Alcohol, Weapons of any kind (Firearms, Knives, etc.), Flammables, Explosives.

Your boat includes:

Drinks & Snacks

Full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails, as well as an assortment of snacks, all for purchase. Pinkies up!

Expert Tour Guide

Never boring, always entertaining.

Accessibility

Everyone should be able to enjoy our tours. We make sure you can.

No need to hold it. We have changing tables for the little ones who don’t know what holding it is.

Climate-Controlled Lounge

Keeping you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool (or freezing).

*Not all amenities are available on every vessel.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW

9 Great Chicago Architecture Tours

I f you're looking for the best Chicago architecture tours, you've found them here! As a local who has explored these tours on weekends, during staycations, or while showing visiting friends around Chicago, I can honestly say that this list shares the most unique and fun experiences.

The city has great options including the best architectural boat tours, helicopter tours, walking tours, and more.

If you have limited hours, take the Hop On/Hop Off bus tour in Chicago or visit the top Chicago attractions to get the most out of a short amount of time.

Architecture Tours You Should Try in Chicago

Chicago architecture cruise.

Check rates for Chicago Architecture Cruise

If you love touring on water, then this cruise is for you. I've taken this cruise several times while showing friends the city and they loved it too.

On this cruise, you will ride the Chicago River and see the city's famous architecture. You'll see the impressive flat skyline including over 40 famous buildings such as Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building with audio narratives. The tour covers all three branches of the Chicago River.

Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express

Check rates at Navy Pier Centennial Wheel

This is one of my favorite ways to see the city and the Chicago skyline. You circle only once, but the ride is super slow, and you'll have some great photo ops when you get to the top.

Navy Pier is among the most visited destinations in the world. It offers beautiful views from the wheel, and it's a must-do when in the area! Located right on the pier, you have spectacular views of the city's skyline, architecture, and waterfront.

45-Minute Private Helicopter Flight

Check rates at 45-Minute Private Helicopter Flight

I was scheduled to go on this flight but it was canceled due to bad weather. At least they are good at following safety protocol. Too bad that I missed this amazing experience by helicopter. From what I hear, you will get the best views of touring Chicago architecture, and the experience of flying amongst the clouds. 

Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge

Check rates for Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge

Having been on the Skydeck a couple of times, it never disappoints. What I didn't like much was that there is a limited time that you have to stand in the box. But if there were no supervision, the line would be from the street.

But here, you will have some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. You'll also see why home is to beautiful parks and cultural attractions such as the Adler Planetarium in Millennium and the Shedd Aquarium in Grant Park.

Look north to see Chicago's iconic skyscrapers and landmarks from Lincoln Park to the world-famous Wrigley Field.

Night Tour with Willis Tower Entry & Skyline Cruise

Check rates at Night Tour with Willis Tower Entry & Skyline Cruise

This tour is a wonderful way to spend the evening while touring in Chicago. You'll immerse yourself in one of the tallest architectural buildings in Chicago along with a Chicago boat tour. 

Experience the Windy City’s most popular attractions on this overnight tour. Watch the night light show of Buckingham Fountain. Cruise along the Chicago skyline and climb to the top of the iconic Willis Tower.

Big Bus Panoramic Sunset Tour with Live Guide

Check rates at Big Bus Open-Top Panoramic Night Tour

If this is your first visit to this city, this is a great way to tour Chicago , Illinois and how it shines at night. There is so much to see on both sides of the bus since the architecture of Chicago is interesting

Experience the stunning skyscrapers of Windy City that light up at night. Take a panoramic nighttime tour from the Magnificent Mile to Michigan Avenue past the Chicago Theater and Buckingham Fountain.

Chicago History, Culture, and Architecture Walking Tour

Check rates at Chicago History, Culture, and Architecture Walking Tour

This is a great way to hear about Chicago's history and architecture. Take a private stroll or share walks with family or friends for this architecture tour. You can see old and new architecture, try delicious local treats, see beautiful boats tour the river. 

Chicago Architecture Center Exhibit Admission

Check rates at Chicago Architecture Center Exhibit

The Chicago Architecture Center or CAC is located at the south end of Magnificent Rock near Michigan Walker Intersection. You'll discover super-sized models of architecture from around the world.

The vouchers give you access to two floors of imaginative exhibitions at the city's newest cultural venue.

Chicago Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour

Check rates at Chicago Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking

The luxurious materials and geometric decorations of Art Deco represent the opulence and optimism of the decadent 20s. Visit some of the city's most beautiful architecture and learn about the history and characteristics of this modern decorative style.

Final Thoughts on the Best Chicago Architecture Tours

These are the best ways to tour Chicago architecture and see all the unmissable attractions. I've taken every single one of these tours, including ones not mentioned and found them worth the money.

I enjoyed seeing the towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks. The tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural history of the Chicago. Not to mention, it's nice to play tourist in my own back yard.

As a visitor, be sure to plan your tour in advance and consider factors such as weather and time of day to make the most of your experience. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning views along the way.

Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply looking to appreciate the city's remarkable skyline, a Chicago architecture tour is a must-do activity. The buildings are inspiring structures and some are a marvel of innovative designs that have shaped this iconic city.

Whether you go on water, in the air, or on foot , book your tour today and embark on a journey through Chicago's architectural wonders.

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Jake Lockett's "Cozy" Chicago Fire Trailer Has an Actual Fireplace (VIDEO)

It's chilly in the Windy City!

The fact that Chicago Fire actually shoots in Chicago, Illinois gives the show so much heart and realism. It also means that the set can get really, really cold.

How to Watch

Watch Chicago Fire Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC  and next day on  Peacock .

Luckily, Jake Lockett, who plays firefighter Sam Carver on the hit drama, can keep warm in his trailer, which comes equipped with the kind of fire he doesn't have to put out. He revealed this and more in a tour video, which you can see below.

Take a peek inside Jake Lockett's Chicago Fire trailer

" There’s no new episode of #chicagofire this week again - come hang out with me in my trailer instead," Lockett wrote on Instagram, offering fans the full behind-the-scenes experience. In the video, Lockett shows off the small closet for his daily costumes (which are...  all the same ), the "warming jacket" he and other actors put on between takes, his small, private bathroom, a lighted mirror station and a few golf clubs in case he gets bored.

Most of the room is taken up by a couch with a "Mouch's Spot" pillow, from which the actor can watch TV in front of an electric fireplace. As he says, it's "cozy," and the perfect place to lay down for a nap. It's a simple but well-appointed trailer, and that's really all you need.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jake Lockett (@thejakelockett)

RELATED: You'll Love This Photo of Hanako Greensmith Doing Yoga In Between Takes on Set

Lockett's behind the scenes videos are everything

The actor is committed to giving fans new content every week, so if there isn't a new episode airing, he takes it upon himself to upload something for them to enjoy. And boy, do we.

A week before the trailer tour, Lockett blessed Chicago Fire fans with a compilation of BTS moments featuring the cast goofing off. One commenter wrote, "Thank you Jake for this i really missed you guys last night," and another added, "THIS BEHIND THE SCENE CONTENT ITS BECOMING MY OBSESSION." Exactly.

RELATED: Carver Finally Revealed the Scary, Heartbreaking Way He Got His Scar

Jake Lockett is also a talented musician

In addition to his acting and his budding documentarian skills, Lockett is a singer and guitar player. He played "Ain't No Sunshine" at a Los Angeles open mic night, and his raspy voice combined with an acoustic guitar were a perfect match for the song. It was downright sultry.

Watch  Chicago Fire  on NBC Wednesdays at 9/8c and next day on  Peacock .  

Chicago Fire

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Your guide to Chicago’s iconic architecture

Chicago’s stunning cityscape has been shaped by some of the biggest names in architecture — Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Jeanne Gang, Daniel Burnham, and beyond. No matter where you look, the city is full of architectural wonders, from soaring skyscrapers in the heart of downtown to historic landmarks in our vibrant neighborhoods.

If you’re looking to dive into Chicago architecture, explore our must-see sites and packed list of architecture events, tours, and cruises where you can learn the fascinating stories behind the buildings.

In this article

Chicago architecture styles, chicago architecture events, chicago architecture boat tours, chicago architecture walking tours.

Art Deco: Maybe one of the most famous styles of architecture, Art Deco shines in Chicago’s downtown. Created in the exuberant optimism of the Roaring Twenties, Art Deco has come to represent opulence and glamour. One striking example is Chicago’s Carbide and Carbon Building, designed to look like a Champagne bottle and finished with real gold.

Notable examples: Carbide and Carbon Building, The Merchandise Mart, Chicago Board of Trade Building 

Chicago School : After the Great Chicago Fire, the city began to rebuild at an extraordinary pace, leveraging the latest techniques and technology to take the city’s architecture to new heights that were previously unimaginable. Legendary architects like Burnham and Root, William Le Baron Jenney, and Louis Sullivan finished these structures with decorative elements and delicate details, making Chicago School instantly recognizable. 

Notable examples: Reliance Building, Monadnock Building, Sullivan Center

International Style : The International Style is a type of modern architecture born after World War II, known for its steel-and-glass exteriors, minimal (if any) ornamentation, and open interiors. Perhaps no one did it better than Mies van der Rohe, who crafted many important Chicago buildings (the city has more of his designs than any other).

Notable examples: One Illinois Center, 330 N. Wabash

Mid-Century Modernism : This distinctive style comprises many of the Chicago skyline’s most instantly recognizable buildings. Mid-Century Modern takes the technical precision of the International Style and experiments with new materials like concrete and more sculptural, organic forms (like the iconic Marina City corn cobs).

Notable examples: 875 N. Michigan Ave., Willis Tower, Marina City

Postmodernism : Some of the city’s most eye-catching buildings are those that follow the Postmodern style. While the International style adheres to clean lines and minimal decoration, Postmodernism is all about being creative, eclectic, and sometimes a little quirky. Think curved forms, asymmetry, bright colors, and generally breaking with tradition. 

Notable examples: James R. Thompson Center, Harold Washington Library, 333 West Wacker Drive

Other architectural styles represented in Chicago include Deconstructivism (Pritzker Pavilion), Gothic Revival (Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower), Spanish Colonial Revival (Wrigley Building), and more.

The city’s neighborhoods are also filled with the city’s distinctive styles of residential architecture: bungalows, worker’s cottages, greystones, and more. See for yourself in our neighborhood historic districts . You’ll also find plenty of examples of Frank Lloyd Wright ‘s Prairie style throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. 

Open House Chicago : Have you ever walked by an interesting Chicago building and wished you could take a peek inside? You’ll get your chance during Chicago’s annual Open House Chicago, a free festival hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center each October. 

More than 100 significant buildings open their doors for the public to explore. Sites range from soaring skyscrapers to opulent mansions and exclusive private clubs, many of which are rarely open to the public. 

Chicago Architecture Biennial : Explore the past, present, and future of architecture at the Chicago Architecture Biennial. The free event, which happens every other year, takes over the Chicago Cultural Center and other sites around the city with events and exhibits. Each exhibition is developed by a new group of curators from a variety of art and design disciplines and features new themes and collaborators from around the world.

Check out more art and architecture events in Chicago throughout the year.

City Cruises : City Cruises offers a variety of architecture tours, including elegant brunch cruises on a glass-enclosed river boat.

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline : Admire epic skyline views from the river and lakefront, while enjoying narration about the city’s history.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise : Expert docents share the fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River from aboard Chicago’s First Lady. 

Wendella Tours & Cruises : Billed as Chicago’s original architecture tour, Wendella offers tours of the city’s waterfront buildings on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. 

Shoreline Sightseeing : Gaze skywards as you sail past dozens of Chicago landmarks along the Chicago River on this engaging architecture tour. 

Ready to set sail? Check out more Chicago architecture boat tours on the lake and river.

Chicago Architecture Center tours : Explore the city on foot, on the train, or on a bus — all with a highly trained docent as your guide. Choose from tours that explore must-see sites and Chicago icons or head into the neighborhoods to uncover hidden gems.

Inside Chicago Walking Tours : This locally owned tour company specializes in architectural interiors, so you can step inside some of the city’s most famous buildings. Tours explore the downtown Loop, Art Deco masterpieces, and even allegedly haunted spots. 

Tours With Mike : You can take Mike’s Architecture’s Greatest Hits tour. Or you can take his irreverent Ugly Buildings tour, a unique experience that shares the untold stories of some of the city’s lesser known, but no less interesting, structures. 

L Stop Tours : A family-owned company, L Stop Tours offers walking tours incorporating the city’s ‘L’ trains for a unique local perspective. Their tour of the Loop focuses on the area’s one–of–a–kind architecture, from the spectacular lobby of The Rookery to soaring skyscrapers. 

Explore more Chicago architecture tours by foot, bus, train, and boat.

From this article

Tours & Attractions

Willis tower.

Skydeck Chicago

Rookery Building

Monadnock Building

William Wrigley Jr. Building

The Magnificent Mile

Tribune Tower

Historic Water Tower

Accommodations

Trump international hotel & tower chicago.

River North

Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago Detours

Online only

Inside Chicago Walking Tours

eVisitorGuide and MetroWalkz Tours

Shoreline Sightseeing Company

Streeterville

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

Free Tours by Foot

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Architectural Highlights by Bus

Discover the exciting diversity of Chicago’s world famous architecture as we trace its development from the early days up to the present.

Travel through unique neighborhoods such as the Loop, Hyde Park and Kenwood, Bronzeville, the Gold Coast and the Magnificent Mile as we visit architectural masterpieces by world famous architects. Off coach stops are made in various locations to visit the architecture up close, including some interiors.

• Some properties and the bus have steps and are not completely ADA accessible.
• Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour.  View the CAC's hours

Photos From This Tour

Upcoming Architectural Highlights by Bus Tours

Saturday jun 1.

• 9:30am Buy Tickets

Saturday Jun 15

Saturday jun 29, saturday jul 13, saturday jul 27, saturday aug 10, highlights of this tour.

Marquette Building

56 w. adams st..

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Millennium Park

201 e. randolph st..

“Let’s cover it with a park.”

Museum of Science and Industry

5700 s. lake shore dr..

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Federal Center

219 s. dearborn st..

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The Rookery

209 s. lasalle st..

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Auditorium Building

430 s. michigan ave..

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load-bearing construction

a method of building done by stacking one brick or stone on top of another; each brick or stone carries…

Manhattan Building

431 s. dearborn st..

Chicago’s Manhattan Building is a fascinating surviving example of an early skyscraper from the late…

Reliance Building

32 n. state st..

A “self-cleaning” skyscraper?

190 South LaSalle

190 s. lasalle st..

When walking down LaSalle Street—in the financial heart of Chicago—you might not take notice of 190…

A reaction to Modernism Postmodernism began as a critique. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, Modernism…

Trump Tower

401 n. wabash ave..

When our docents explain that the Trump International Hotel & Tower reflects its surroundings, they aren’t…

200 E. Randolph St.

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a medium-hard metamorphic rock of crystallized limestone

a very hard igneous rock with coarse bits of quartz and other minerals

bundled tube construction

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Chicago Board of Trade Building

141 w. jackson blvd..

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Art Deco emerged as a popular style of American architecture the 1920s and 1930s. The style originated…

Holabird and Root

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London Guarantee Building

360 n. michigan ave..

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Marina City

300 n. state st..

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Carbide and Carbon Building

230 n. michigan ave..

Luxurious, exuberant and dramatic, the Carbide and Carbon Building is a metaphor for the sumptuous décor…

875 N. Michigan Ave

875 n. michigan ave..

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Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

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Mid-Century Modernism

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Chicago Water Tower

806 n. michigan ave..

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a softer sedimentary rock of fossillized shells and coral

Gothic Revival

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3360 S. State St.

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International Style

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Mansueto Library

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860–880 n. lake shore dr..

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600 E. Grand Ave.

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Sullivan Center

1 s. state st..

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Tribune Tower

435 n. michigan ave..

In 1922, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, the Chicago Tribune announced an international competition…

225 N. Columbus Dr.

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