Chicago: Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour

Chicago’s Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s stunning architectural heritage. Led by knowledgeable docents, participants explore the origins and unique motifs of this iconic style, examining lavish materials and geometric designs across renowned buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building. At just $30 per person, this 1.5-hour tour provides valuable insights and access to the Chicago Architecture Center exhibits, promising an enriching experience for architecture enthusiasts. What secrets might these Art Deco masterpieces hold?

Key Points

• A 1.5-hour walking tour exploring Chicago’s iconic Art Deco skyscrapers and their lavish materials, geometric ornaments, and architectural history.
• Tour includes visits to the lobbies of five renowned Art Deco buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building and Chicago Motor Club Building.
• Guided by certified docents from the Chicago Architecture Center, providing educational insights into the origins and design elements of Art Deco style.
• Tour concludes at the Merchandise Mart, with admission to the Chicago Architecture Center exhibits included.
• Priced at $30 per person, the tour accommodates groups of up to 10 and is wheelchair accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Chicago: Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour" offers a 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s iconic Art Deco architecture.

Explore Chicago’s iconic Art Deco architecture on this 1.5-hour walking tour.

Priced from $30 per person, the tour is limited to groups of 10 participants and is wheelchair accessible.

Conducted in English, the tour is led by certified docents from the Chicago Architecture Center.

Reservations can be made with a "pay later" option, and cancellations are eligible for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour concludes at the Merchandise Mart, and admission includes access to the Chicago Architecture Center exhibits.

Experience Highlights

On this tour, participants learn the origins and popular motifs of Art Deco, a style that emerged in the early 20th century.

They’ll tour the lobbies of five iconic Art Deco skyscrapers, discovering the lavish materials and geometric ornaments that defined the style. Highlights include the Carbide and Carbon Building, Chicago Motor Club Building, Trustees System Service Building, and Engineering Building.

The tour ends at the Merchandise Mart, and admission includes access to the Chicago Architecture Center exhibits.

Participants will gain insights from certified docents trained in Chicago’s architecture and history.

Educational Value

Certified docents from the Chicago Architecture Center guide participants through the tour, sharing their extensive training in Chicago’s architecture and history.

The tour provides valuable educational insights, exploring the origins and popular motifs of Art Deco design. Guests learn about the lavish materials and geometric ornaments that define the city’s iconic Art Deco skyscrapers, including the Carbide and Carbon Building, Chicago Motor Club Building, Trustees System Service Building, and Engineering Building.

Exploring the origins and popular motifs of Art Deco design, including the lavish materials and geometric ornaments of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers.

The tour’s admission also includes access to the Chicago Architecture Center’s exhibits, further enhancing the educational experience.

Proceeds from the tour support local initiatives like Girls Build! and Teen Fellows.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Chicago Art Deco Skyscrapers Tour, with an impressive 4.6/5 overall rating based on 24 reviews.

Guests highlight the informative and engaging docents, who are certified by the Chicago Architecture Center and extensively trained in the city’s architecture and history.

Reviewers recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walking tour, which covers the lobbies of five iconic Art Deco skyscrapers.

Visitors express delight in discovering the lavish materials and geometric ornaments that define the Art Deco style, and they appreciate the tour’s educational value in supporting local initiatives.

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Important Information

The tour meeting point is located at 30 N LaSalle Street, and participants are advised to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.

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

Guests should keep the following in mind:

1. Pets, luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed (service animals are welcome).

2. The tour includes extensive walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

3. Admissions to the Chicago Architecture Center exhibits are included with the tour.

Exploring Chicago’s Art Deco Architecture

As visitors explore the streets of downtown Chicago, they’ll be captivated by the city’s iconic Art Deco skyscrapers that stand as testaments to the architectural innovation of the 1920s and 1930s. The tour showcases the lavish materials and geometric ornaments that define the Art Deco style, weaving a narrative of how this movement shaped the city’s skyline. Highlights include the Carbide and Carbon Building, the Chicago Motor Club Building, the Trustees System Service Building, and the Engineering Building, all of which boast stunning interiors and exteriors. The tour culminates at the Merchandise Mart, a true Art Deco gem.

| Building | Key Features | Architectural Significance |

|———-|————–|—————————-|

| Carbide and Carbon Building | Green and black granite, gold accents | One of the finest examples of Art Deco high-rise design |

| Chicago Motor Club Building | Elegant lobby with limestone walls, brass fixtures | Showcases the streamlined, geometric style of the era |

| Trustees System Service Building | Terracotta façade, metal detailing | Innovative use of materials for an Art Deco skyscraper |

| Engineering Building | Sleek, tapered design, decorative bronze panels | Exemplifies the verticality and sleekness of the Art Deco aesthetic |

Iconic Skyscrapers on the Tour

Visitors on the Chicago: Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour are captivated by the iconic buildings showcased along the route.

The tour features lavish lobbies, including the:

1. Carbide and Carbon Building, with its striking emerald green and gold facade.

2. Chicago Motor Club Building, known for its intricate geometric ornamentation.

3. Trustees System Service Building, boasting a stunning marble lobby and bronze detailing.

These architectural gems offer a glimpse into the city’s rich Art Deco heritage, inspiring visitors to appreciate the enduring beauty and craftsmanship of this iconic design style.

Supporting Local Initiatives

Beyond the captivating architecture, the Chicago: Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour supports local education initiatives.

The tour’s certified docents are extensively trained in Chicago’s architecture and history, and their expertise contributes to initiatives like Girls Build! and Teen Fellows. These programs empower young people, especially young women, to explore fields related to design, engineering, and urban planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring a Camera on the Tour?

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring cameras on the tour. Taking photos is encouraged to capture the architectural details and ornate designs of the iconic Art Deco skyscrapers along the route.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not specifically designed for children, though well-behaved kids 12 and older may enjoy the architectural details. Parents should consider their child’s interest and ability to walk for 1.5 hours.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves extensive walking. Layered clothing is also advisable to accommodate changes in weather conditions.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

Tickets don’t need to be purchased in advance. The tour allows a "Reserve now & pay later" option, so visitors can secure their spot without prepaying. This provides flexibility for those who want to plan their Chicago trip last-minute.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention senior or student discounts. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour provider directly as they may offer discounted rates for certain groups or have special promotion codes available.

The Sum Up

The Chicago: Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the city’s stunning Art Deco architecture. Led by certified docents, participants gain valuable insights into the style’s origins and unique motifs while admiring the lavish materials and geometric designs of iconic skyscrapers. With wheelchair accessibility and admission to the Chicago Architecture Center exhibits, the tour provides an enriching way to discover Chicago’s architectural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: