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875 N. Michigan Ave

  • the top of a tall black skyscraper
The tower's series of stacked Xs are immediately recognizable, making it one of the most well-known profiles in the city.
  • the top of a tall black skyscraper

Completed in 1970, 875 N. Michigan Ave (John Hancock Center) dominates the northern end of Chicago’s skyline. On this tour, you'll learn how the building forever changed the character of North Michigan Avenue.

Duration
45 minutes
Site Type
Buildings
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

875 N. Michigan Ave., lower level lobby

This building represents a remarkable marriage of art and engineering and stands as a testament to the brilliant partnership of Bruce Graham and Fazlur Khan, colleagues at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.

On this lunch-hour tour, we learn how Graham and Khan designed a 100-story structure that could withstand the powerful winds that whip off Lake Michigan. When it was built, the tower was the world’s second tallest building. On a clear day, it still provides spectacular views of the Windy City from all sides.

Know before you go:
  • You can access the lower-level lobby through the building's sunken plaza.
  • Portions of this tour take place outdoors. This tour does not include a visit to the observation deck.

Tour reviews

    • This iconic building is as important an identifier of Chicago as the Chicago Cubs. Designed by very young professionals - Bruce Graham was only 39 and Fazlar Khan was only 35 - it created the precedent for supertall buildings around the world.
      Bill LipsmanCAC Docent
  • An office building lobby with a large spherical sculpture

    Lobby. Photo by Peter J. Sieger

  • An American flag waves in front of a tall black building.

    Exterior.

  • Two large antennae atop a tall building

    The building's antenna spires.

MORE ABOUT THIS BUILDING

Discover more about 875 N Michigan Ave. in CAC's Buildings of Chicago online library.

LEARN MORE
Skyscraper GallerySkyscraper Gallery

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

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