Art Deco: Landmark Lobbies

  • Interior view of brass elevator door.
Discover the glamour of the Roaring '20s with a tour of Chicago’s exquisite Art Deco lobbies, a testament to the city’s architectural heritage.
  • Interior view of brass elevator door.

Step out of the cold and into the lobbies of three Art Deco skyscrapers whose lavish materials and modern ornament epitomized the prosperity and optimism of the Roaring ‘20s.

Duration
1 hour
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Chicago Architecture Center 111 E. Wacker Dr.

All of the buildings on this 1-hour tour are located within 1½ blocks of the Chicago Architecture Center. The shorter walking distance allows for longer viewing time inside the faithfully restored lobbies of three landmark Art Deco buildings and, for comparison, one neo-classical building. Offered only in January and February, this tour offers less exposure to the elements and more exposure to the glamour and history of some of Chicago’s best Art Deco buildings.

Tour Reviews

    • When I lead this Deco tour, I get a kick out of seeing guests’ faces light up when they go inside the lobbies -- buildings aren’t designed with glitzy ornament like this anymore!
      Bill CoffinCAC Docent
  • Ornate golden elevator doors in building lobby

    Carbon and Carbide Building

  • Interior view of 2-story building lobby with large US map on the wall

    Hampton Inn Chicago Motor Club

  • Looking up through oval-shaped multi-level stairwell with dark wood banisters

    Hampton Inn Chicago Motor Club

  • Mosaic tile domed ceiling in gold and copper tones

    LondonHouse Hotel Lobby.

Buildings on This Tour

See All Buildings of Chicago
Skyscraper GallerySkyscraper Gallery

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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