Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour

Explore Chicago’s architectural gems from the late 19th and early 20th centuries on the "Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour." This 2-hour, wheelchair-accessible experience takes you through iconic sites like the Chicago Cultural Center, showcasing styles like Beaux Arts and neo-Gothic. Along the way, you’ll learn about the influential architects who shaped the city’s rich cultural heritage. With insights into the World’s Columbian Exposition, this tour promises to captivate your senses and leave you wanting more.

This experience made our article of The 16 Best Walking Tours In Chicago.

Key Points

• This 2-hour walking tour explores iconic late 19th and early 20th-century architectural landmarks in Chicago, including the Cultural Center and Macy’s.
• The tour examines significant architectural styles like Beaux Arts, neo-Georgian, and neo-Gothic, and the contributions of influential architects like Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan.
• The tour provides interior access to select buildings and admission to the Chicago Architecture Center exhibits, offering an engaging and informative experience.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, making it convenient for visitors.
• The tour is conducted in English and costs €27.55 per person, with a reserve now and pay later option available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This walking tour, called "Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age", takes visitors on a 2-hour exploration of Chicago’s architectural landmarks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Priced at €27.55 per person, the tour is conducted in English and is wheelchair accessible. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is also available.

The tour highlights iconic sites like the Chicago Cultural Center and Marshall Field’s, allowing participants to learn about significant architectural styles and influential architects.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour explores Chicago’s architectural treasures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Visitors will:

• Visit iconic sites like the Chicago Cultural Center, Marshall Field’s (now Macy’s), and the Palmer House Hotel.

• Learn about significant architectural styles such as Beaux Arts, neo-Georgian, and neo-Gothic.

• Hear stories about influential architects like Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, and Holabird and Roche.

• Understand the city’s cultural evolution after the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893.

• Gain insights from local experts trained by the Chicago Architecture Center.

The tour provides an engaging experience with interior access to select buildings and admission to the Chicago Architecture Center exhibits.

Architectural Styles Explored

The tour explores a range of significant architectural styles that were prominent in late 19th and early 20th century Chicago.

Visitors learn about the Beaux Arts style, which features grand, symmetrical designs with ornate details. They also discover the neo-Georgian and neo-Gothic styles, characterized by traditional elements like arched windows and decorative stonework.

Plus, the tour highlights the work of renowned architects like Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, and Holabird and Roche, whose innovative designs shaped the city’s cultural evolution after the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Influential Architects Discussed

Visitors on the Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour gain insight into the work of influential architects who left an indelible mark on the city’s architectural legacy.

Tour guides highlight the contributions of:

Tour guides highlight the contributions of influential architects who left their mark on Chicago’s architectural legacy.

• Daniel Burnham, known for his visionary "City Beautiful" movement and designs like the Flatiron Building.

• Louis Sullivan, the "father of skyscrapers", whose innovative use of ornamentation and steel-frame construction defined the Chicago School style.

• Holabird and Roche, whose diverse portfolio includes the iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building.

Through engaging narratives, guests appreciate the ingenious designs that shaped Chicago’s iconic skyline.

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The World’s Columbian Exposition and Chicago’s Cultural Evolution

As the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 marked a pivotal moment in Chicago’s history, the city’s cultural landscape underwent a profound transformation. The grand-scale event catapulted Chicago onto the global stage, ushering in an era of architectural innovation and civic pride. This new chapter saw the emergence of influential architects who left an indelible mark on the city’s skyline. To better understand this evolution, consider the following key factors:

| Factor | Impact |

| — | — |

| World’s Columbian Exposition | Showcased Chicago’s emergence as a global city |

| Architectural Innovations | Introduced Beaux Arts, neo-Georgian, and neo-Gothic styles |

| Cultural Renaissance | Spurred a flourishing of arts, literature, and intellectual discourse |

| Civic Investments | Fueled construction of landmark buildings and public spaces |

| Demographic Shifts | Welcomed diverse populations that shaped the city’s cultural fabric |

This period of transformation cemented Chicago’s status as a hub of cultural and architectural significance, setting the stage for its continued growth and evolution.

Tour Experience and Inclusions

Guided by local experts trained by the Chicago Architecture Center, the Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s architectural landmarks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

An immersive exploration of Chicago’s architectural landmarks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, guided by local experts.

The tour includes:

• Admission to the Chicago Architecture Center exhibits

• Interior access to select buildings

• Hotel pick-up or drop-off, luggage and stroller storage, and coat check

• The opportunity to learn about significant architectural styles and influential architects

• An engaging experience that provides unique insights into Chicago’s cultural evolution post the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Customer Feedback on the Tour

What do travelers have to say about the Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour? Based on 169 reviews, it’s clear that visitors highly enjoy the experience.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5, travelers praise the informative guides and engaging insights. They appreciate the opportunity to enter select buildings and gain unique perspectives on the city’s architectural evolution.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s ability to bring Chicago’s history and culture to life, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the city’s "golden age" landmarks and the influential architects who shaped them.

Important Tour Information

The meeting point for the Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour is the Chicago Architecture Center, located at 111 East Wacker Drive in Chicago, IL 60601.

The Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour meets at the Chicago Architecture Center, 111 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601.

Participants should bring their passport or ID card, as this will be required to access the tour.

For everyone’s comfort and safety, pets, large bags, and luggage aren’t permitted on the tour.

The tour operates rain or shine, and no refunds will be provided for weather-related cancellations.

The tour features:

• Interior access to select buildings

• Luggage and stroller storage

• Coat check

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should check with the tour guide beforehand. Large bags and luggage may not be permitted for safety and accessibility reasons.

What Level of Physical Activity Is Required?

The tour involves moderate walking and stair climbing. Participants should be able to stand for extended periods and navigate city streets. Accessibility options are available for those with mobility constraints.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any dietary restrictions. Participants can enjoy the experience without any particular food requirements. As long as they can comfortably walk for the 2-hour duration, there are no dietary limitations to participate.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Organizers can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary, group size, and other details to fit the group’s specific needs and interests.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for students and seniors. Travelers can save up to 10% on the tour price by providing valid student or senior identification at the time of booking.

The Sum Up

The "Chicago: Treasures of the Golden Age Walking Tour" offers a captivating exploration of the city’s architectural marvels from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Priced at €27.55 per person, the wheelchair-accessible tour delves into iconic sites, showcasing influential styles and architects. Participants will gain insights into Chicago’s rich architectural heritage, enhancing their appreciation of the city’s cultural evolution.

You can check availability for your dates here: