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University of Chicago

  • Image of a tan gothic building with green ivy growing up the side.

    Photo by Rachel Myszak.

From Collegiate Gothic to Contemporary, the University of Chicago campus offers a wide range of breathtaking architecture.
  • Image of a tan gothic building with green ivy growing up the side.

    Photo by Rachel Myszak.

Come explore the historic quadrangles, contemporary buildings, award winning landscaping and beautiful interiors of the University of Chicago campus.

Duration
2 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Southside
Architects and Styles
Meet

University of Chicago Bookstore, 970 E. 58th St.

Known for its Collegiate Gothic architecture, the University of Chicago campus offers much more to explore. Discover buildings in a range of styles, including Contemporary, Brutalist and Prairie Style. Along the way, learn about projects by a “who’s who” of influential architects spanning more than a century. You’ll recognize many from their work in downtown Chicago and around the world, including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Walter Netsch, Helmut Jahn, Rafael Viñoly, Cesar Pelli, Studio Gang and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Experience it all among the campus’ beautiful quadrangles, striking buildings and award-winning botanical gardens. The tour ends at Campus North Residential Commons, 5500 S University Ave.

Know before you go:
  • Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change, due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.

Tour reviews

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  • An exterior photo of UChi

    Swift Hall. Photo by Robin Simon.

  • An exterior photo of Swift Hall

    Swift Hall exterior detail. Photo by Robin Simon.

  • An exterior photo of the Mansueto Library

    Mansueto Library. Photo by Tom Rossiter.

  • An exterior photo of the North Residential Commons.

    North Residential Commons. Photo by Irina Hynes.

  • An exterior photo of Robie House.

    Robie House. Photo by Garrett Karp.

  • An exterior photo of cobb gate

    Griffin detail on Cobb Gate. Photo by Robin Simon.

Buildings on This Tour

See All Buildings of Chicago

Tour Accessibility

CAC is committed to improving access to our tours. The accessibility information below reflects our docents’ experience and is provided for general guidance only.

What to expect on this tour

  • Icon of a person walking with a red percentage sign

    Terrain & Surfaces

    Moderate - Some uneven or mixed surfaces 

  • Icon of a wheelchair and red arrow

    Wheelchair & Walker Access

    Moderate - Ramps and alternate routes provided 

  • Icon of the outline or some steps and a red arrow pointing diagonally right and up.

    Steps or Stairs

    Moderate - Step-free alternate route available  

  • Icon of an ear with a red throughline

    Hearing Access

    Easy - Quiet setting, easy to hear 

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Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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