Overview
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.
Highlights on this walking tour include Burnham and Root’s Rookery (1888), a transitional building with a Moorish and Romanesque exterior and a stunning interior atrium re-designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; Adler and Sullivan’s Auditorium Building (1889), a masterpiece of acoustical and structural engineering; and Holabird and Roche’s Marquette Building (1895), an outstanding example of the metal frame expression with traditional details and decorations.
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- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
Narration by a professional and certified Guide
Historic walking tour of Chicago's architecture
Food and drinks
Coat check
Storage for luggage and strollers
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
This tour meets at 410 S. Michigan Ave., outside the Fine Arts Building.
End point
Monadnock Building. Actual ending location may vary.
Good to know
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at 410 S. Michigan Avenue and have your confirmation at hand. The docent will have your name on a list of attendees.
What to expect
-
Fine Arts Building
10 min
Meet here to start the tour.
-
Auditorium Building
10 min
View the building from the outside
-
The Rookery Building
10 min
View the building from the outside
-
Chicago Board Of Trade Building
5 min
View the exterior of the building
-
Marquette Building
5 min
View the building from the outside
-
Monadnock Building
5 min
View the exterior of the building
-
Chicago Architecture Center
1 min
This building is not directly part of the tour, however, the tour ticket includes admission to the galleries at the Chicago Architecture Center
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Skyscrapers
Can I cancel Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Skyscrapers for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1 hour 30 min.
Where does it start?
This tour meets at 410 S. Michigan Ave., outside the Fine Arts Building.
What's included?
- Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
- Narration by a professional and certified Guide
- Historic walking tour of Chicago's architecture
What's not included?
- Food and drinks
- Coat check
- Storage for luggage and strollers
Which places does it visit?
It visits Fine Arts Building, Auditorium Building, The Rookery Building, Chicago Board Of Trade Building, Marquette Building, Monadnock Building, Chicago Architecture Center.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Chicago Architecture Center
