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Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present

Overview
This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present. We'll compare and contrast a wide range of buildings with varying architectural styles and see how older structures connect to new skyline additions.
On this tour, we'll make seven stops in downtown Chicago where we can compare the histories and styles of buildings located within sight of each other. The tour features 19th-Century Commercial, Beaux-Arts, Mid-Century Modern and Postmodern buildings, as well as the latest in architecture from Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano and Adrian Smith. At each stop, we’ll look at the connections between the past and present and discover what inspires design today. The tour culminates with a visit to Millennium Park, where world-class art and architecture combine, creating a unique urban fabric.
City: Chicago
Sun 23 Feb
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $30.00
Sun 23 Feb
Starting at $30.00
Make a reservation
What's Included
Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
Walking tour featuring some of Chicago's most famous buildings
Narration by a professional and certified guide
Additional Info
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • The Chicago Architecture Center or CAC (formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation, CAF) is at the south end of the Magnificent Mile near the intersection of Michigan and Wacker.
  • Tour Guides are trained and certified by the CAC. As volunteers, they are exceptionally motivated, enthusiastic, and capable interpreters of Chicago's world-class architectural legacy. CAC tours are the real deal - narrated, but not scripted, led by Chicago enthusiasts.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Face masks required for travellers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travellers
  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
  • COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.
What To Expect
1
Wrigley Building
View the Wrigley Building and some of the surrounding buildings
2
Marina City
View Marina City and discuss some of the surrounding buildings
3
Daley Center
View the Daley Center and surrounding buildings
4
Reliance Building
View the Reliance Building and surrounding buildings
5
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
View the Pritzker Pavilion and surrounding buildings
Show 2 more stops
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (4)
kristingD1801LU
Dec 2022
Very informative - a visit inside and outside of buildings I would not normally have noticed. Concise yet thorough. I learned a lot! Tom was an insightful and knowledgeable guide.
Response from Host
Dec 2022
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with Tom. We hope to see you again soon!
gerrym624
Dec 2022
Tour was with the Chicago Architecture Centre and our guide was Tom. Outstanding experience and Tom was the reason. His knowledge was excellent and it was clear he had extensive understanding of the past architects and their work. Picked great position’s to stop and compare buildings. Flexible and great at making conversation. Highly recommended. Great value for money and I will definitely do another tour on my next visit.
Response from Host
Dec 2022
Thank you so much for the excellent review! Tom is a phenomenal guide and we're so happy you enjoyed your time with him. We hope to see you on another tour the next time you're in town!
susiedawson
Oct 2021
On Thurs., Oct 14, Lisa gave me a wonderful tour of iconic buildings. Everything she shared on each fabulous building was riveting. I saw and learned so much I did not know about Chitown. Lisa was highly knowledgeable, and the time flew by too quickly. Thank you for sharing all this information, Lisa. I appreciated all of the knowledge you have and highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host
Oct 2021
Thank you for the great review! I'm so happy you enjoyed your tour with Lisa. I'll be sure to pass along your compliments. We hope to see you again soon!

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