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Reliance Building

  • White building on city street corner

    Photo by Peter J. Sieger.

Step into the Reliance building's lobby and upper floors for an immersive experience of what it was like to work in this 1895 building.
  • White building on city street corner

    Photo by Peter J. Sieger.

Marvel at the original marble, mahogany doors and decorative wrought iron found throughout the two lobbies and uppermost floors of this 1895 building, designed by John Wellborn Root and Charles Atwood.

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

Main Lobby, 1 W. Washington St. entrance

The Reliance Building is a great example of Chicago School tripartite design, yet its glass curtain wall foreshadowed the International Style that developed in the three decades following its completion. We will examine the building's delightful details, which include some original materials among replicas installed during a state-of-the-art, award-winning restoration in 1999.

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 Reliance Building’s design and importance have been recognized by being named a city, state and national landmark. All this, and it is also ‘a thing of beauty’ per Tim Samuelson, Chicago's cultural historian.
      Jane BuckwalterCAC Docent Class of 1998
  • Exterior of white building with large windows

    Window details

  • Exterior of white building with large windows
  • Elevators inside building with ornate black detail

    Photo by Peter J. Sieger.

  • Close up of ornamenation on exterior of buildling

    Exterior Ornamentation

  • Close up of red black and white mosaic tile floor with quilt pattern

    Mosaic Tile Flooring

  • Lobby of building

    Photo by Peter J. Sieger

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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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.

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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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