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Chicago is known around the world for its architecture. Whether you choose to explore our fabled downtown or one of the city’s many distinct and charming neighborhoods, our expert docents will guide you by boat, bus, train or on foot and share the stories behind the buildings. Visit iconic skyscrapers, elegant hotels or the legendary houses of Frank Lloyd Wright. With dozens of tours to choose from, we won't blame you if you can't pick just one.

Recommended Tours

Chicago’s First Skyscrapers

Chicago is home to some of the world’s earliest skyscrapers. Get an up-close look at these 19th Century marvels, learn about innovations used to build them and discover how they transformed Chicago into a center of skyscraper design and engineering…

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1.5 Hours
Meet
410 S. Michigan Ave.

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1.5 Hours
Meet
410 S. Michigan Ave.

Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age

Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street. The 40 years between 1890 and 1930 saw the creation of some of Chicago’s the most memorable buildings, many of which are featured on this tour.

Price
$30 Public, Free for Members
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

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Price
$30 Public, Free for Members
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Kenilworth

Walk Kenilworth's leafy streets, learn the history of the village, view its earliest houses and see other fine examples of residential architecture that were designed between 1891 and the mid-1920s by distinguished Chicago architects.

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1.5 Hours
Meet
Kenilworth Metra Station, 400 Richmond Rd. Kenilworth, IL

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1.5 Hours
Meet
Kenilworth Metra Station, 400 Richmond Rd. Kenilworth, IL

Evanston Along the Lake

This walk through Evanston's Lakeshore Historic District explores a variety of churches and residences in the town that became Daniel Burnham's "country retreat" and which is still considered one of Chicago's most desirable suburbs.

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Northwest corner of Hinman Ave. and Lake St., Evanston, IL

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Northwest corner of Hinman Ave. and Lake St., Evanston, IL

GRACELAND CEMETERY

Beautiful and serene, Graceland Cemetery is a treasured oasis in the center of our bustling city. Notables interred here are Chicago's movers and shakers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries: Daniel Burnham, Potter Palmer, Charles Wacker, George…

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Main gate entrance at intersection of Clark St. & Irving Park Rd. 4001 N Clark St.

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Main gate entrance at intersection of Clark St. & Irving Park Rd. 4001 N Clark St.

Macy's on State: The Legacy of Marshall Field's

Explore the construction, development and renovation of this State Street landmark by Daniel Burnham.

Price
$15 Public, $5 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1 Hour
Meet
Meet inside the Washington Street entrance that is closest to Wabash

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Price
$15 Public, $5 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1 Hour
Meet
Meet inside the Washington Street entrance that is closest to Wabash

Monadnock Building

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

Price
$15 Public, $5 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
0.75 Hour
Meet
Inside Monadnock building, 53 W. Jackson Blvd.

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Price
$15 Public, $5 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
0.75 Hour
Meet
Inside Monadnock building, 53 W. Jackson Blvd.

Rookery Building

Explore the interior and exterior of one of Chicago’s most famous and beloved historic buildings: The Rookery by Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root.

Price
$15 Public, $5 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1 Hour
Meet
209 S. LaSalle St. at the grand staircase

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Price
$15 Public, $5 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1 Hour
Meet
209 S. LaSalle St. at the grand staircase