Chicago Icons: Connecting Past and Present

  • City Hall

    City Hall. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

Explore downtown Chicago's diverse architecture on a tour featuring 19th-Century, Beaux-Arts, Modern, and Postmodern styles.
  • City Hall

    City Hall. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present. We'll compare and contrast a wide range of buildings with varying architectural styles and see how older structures connect to new skyline additions.

Duration
1 hour and 45 minutes
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

On this tour, we'll make seven stops in downtown Chicago where we can compare the histories and styles of buildings located within sight of each other. The tour features 19th-Century Commercial, Beaux-Arts, Mid-Century Modern and Postmodern buildings, as well as the latest in architecture from Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano and Adrian Smith. At each stop, we’ll look at the connections between the past and present and discover what inspires design today. The tour culminates with a visit to Millennium Park, where world-class art and architecture combine, creating a unique urban fabric.

Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

    • The tour provides a wonderful explanation with impressive visuals of how older architectural styles connect to newer current styles.
      Tom Carmichael CAC Docent
    • We have already been in CAC tours in January, so we were ready for the cold. And ready for the knowledge of the tour guides. It was great, and we did enjoy it. We always recommend it to our friends, even in the cold
      Covadonga D. Madrid, Spain
  • A photo of Marina City & the IBM Building.

    Marina City & the IBM Building. Photo by Peter J. Sieger.

  • A photo of the Reliance Building.

    Reliance Building. Photo by Peter J. Sieger.

  • A street-level photo of Daley Plaza.

    Daley Plaza. Photo by Larry Speck.

  • A photo of the Pritzker Pavilion

    Pritzker Pavilion

  • A photo of LondonHouse.

    LondonHouse. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • A photo looking up at 77 W. Wacker from street-level.

    77 W. Wacker. Photo by Sean Williams.

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

All walking & bus tours FAQ

Buildings on This Tour

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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

See Group and Private tours
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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