Monadnock Building

  • Looking up at building with blue sky
Join people who come from around the world to see the mighty Monadnock. This meticulously restored building demonstrates the evolution of architecture in the late 19th century.
  • Looking up at building with blue sky

Tour the world’s tallest commercial building with load-bearing masonry walls. Learn how the transition from masonry to steel frame skyscrapers transformed the workplace.

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

Inside Monadnock building, 53 W. Jackson Blvd.

The tour begins with Burnham and Root’s 1891 structure, built the old fashioned way --- brick on brick. It concludes with Holabird and Roche’s 1893 addition, supported largely by a metal frame, a technology that allowed buildings to grow tall.

Often called “the first modern building,” the Monadnock is a Chicago landmark and a national landmark. It also is just plain beautiful.

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

    • If you are short on time and you want to know something about the development of the skyscraper, this is the building for you. In this one building you can see the transition from the age-old way of building to the new one that would transform cities forever. You can also see two different approaches to designing the facade of a tall building that continue today: one emphasizing structure, the other relying on ornamentation.
      Karen DimondCAC Docent
    • It was a cold midwinter day a few years ago when I had the pleasure of giving the tour with a group of about 8. Among them a young Asian architect in shirt sleeves coming directly from the airport on a lengthy plane change enroute to another warm locale. He explained it was important to see the Monadnock Building for its great fame as the last of an era and the beginning of modern architecture. He even accompanied us on the outdoor portion of the tour for as long as he could stand it. The 20- degree temp did shorten his visit. But he was clearly exhilarated by his brief visit to this icon of his profession.
      Laurel Kay EllweinCAC Docent
  • Side view of large brick building with many windows

    Photo by Peter J. Sieger

  • Group of tourists looking at a building

    Monadnock Exterior

  • Woman touching facade of building

    Monadnock Exterior

  • Exterior of brick building with yellow trim

    Monadnock Exterior

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.

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MORE ABOUT THIS BUILDING

Discover more about the Monadnock in CAC's Buildings of Chicago online library.

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Discover the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers, museums, theaters, bridges, homes, schools, houses of worship and parks.

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Group & Private Tours

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

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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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