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Art Deco Skyscrapers: The Riverfront

  • Art deco

    Trustees System Service Building, interior. Photo by Bill Coffin.

Explore Chicago's roaring '20s optimism through opulent Art Deco skyscrapers along the vibrant riverfront. Discover architectural landmarks and lavish designs.
  • Art deco

    Trustees System Service Building, interior. Photo by Bill Coffin.

Tour the lobbies of five opulent Art Deco skyscrapers built near the banks of the Chicago River during the business boom of the Roaring '20s. Learn how Art Deco reflected the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornament.

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Discover the origins of Art Deco while admiring buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building (now Pendry Chicago), the Chicago Motor Club Building (now the Hampton Inn) and the colorful, but often overlooked, Trustees System Service Building (now the Century Tower)—all of which are designated Chicago landmarks. This tour ends at the Merchandise Mart.

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

    • 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
    • My family and I had a great time in a chilly day in November visiting Art Deco buildings with our guide Cynthia. It was a cold morning in Chicago, nonetheless the combination of time spent outside and inside of the buildings, along with Cynthia’s knowledge, enthusiasm and warmth made this a wonderful experience. The tour was very informative, and gave us the opportunity to learn about and see Art Deco details that are normally overlooked. Once again, the Chicago Architecture Center lived up to our expectations.
      Tour attendee
  • Carbide and Carbon Building Elevators

    Carbide and Carbon Building Elevators. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • Merchandise Mart, lobby

    Merchandise Mart, lobby. Photo by Bill Coffin.

  • Merchandise Mart, elevators.

    Merchandise Mart, elevators. Photo by Bill Coffin.

  • Trustees System Service Building, interior

    Trustees System Service Building, interior. Photo by Bill Coffin.

  • Trustees System Service Building, interior

    Trustees System Service Building, interior. Photo by Bill Coffin.

  • Chicago Motor Club Building

    Chicago Motor Club Building. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

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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Group & Private Tours

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

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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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