Inland Steel Building

  • Exterior image looking up at a building covered in blue-green glass

    Inland Steel Exterior

Explore the exterior and interior of this iconic modern masterpiece and learn the stories behind this timeless structure.
  • Exterior image looking up at a building covered in blue-green glass

    Inland Steel Exterior

As the first skyscraper built within the Loop after World War II, the Inland Steel Building became an instant symbol of Chicago’s prominence as a modern American city in the 20th century.

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

30 W. Monroe St., inside the building's lobby

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1958, Inland Steel uses the most modern and cutting edge materials and designs. See for yourself why it has attained such fame as a classic example of mid-century Modernism.

A special highlight of this tour is a visit to the office of one of Chicago's well-known architects.

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 Inland Steel Building shines in the Loop like emeralds set in platinum. Imagine what people thought in 1958, when this glass and steel masterpiece emerged among buildings designed in historic styles!
      Delta GreeneCAC Docent
  • Exterior shot of a building from the corner showing the walls covered in blue-green glass

    Inland Steel exterior. Photo by Peter J. Sieger

  • Interior shot of a lobby with black granite floors and a sculpture that has poles spiking out

    Inland Steel lobby. Photo by Peter J. Sieger

  • Exterior shot of a building looking into the first floor lobby with large windows allowing you to see a sculpture inside

    Inland Steel street level

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
Image of a building covered in blue-green glassImage of a building covered in blue-green glass

MORE ABOUT THIS BUILDING

Discover more about the Inland Steel Building in CAC's Buildings of Chicago online library.

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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.

Visit the Center