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. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

City: Chicago

Tue 10 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Tue 10 Jun

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

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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
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Pets are not allowed.
The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.

What To Expect

Wrigley Building

View the Wrigley Building and some of the surrounding buildings

Daley Center

View the Daley Center and surrounding buildings

Reliance Building

View the Reliance Building and surrounding buildings

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

View the Pritzker Pavilion and surrounding buildings

Show 1 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (25)

SFVacationer

Nov 2024

Steve was the perfect guide: informative, conversational, and engaging. We learned a lot about Chicago's architecture and the history that goes with it. There was a great selection of buildings, and Steve explained the evolution of Chicago's architecture spanning more than 100 years. I have been on several tours by the Chicago Architecture Center, and this was up there with the best of them. Highly recommended.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Thank you for the fantastic review! We're so happy you enjoyed the walking tour and hope to see you again!

traveler_ag_88

Oct 2024

We took the “Chicago Icons: Connecting Past and Present” walking tour, and it was amazing! Our guide was Jill, and she was so sweet, knowledgeable and wise, she was a true pleasure to be with. The tour was very thorough, interesting and well planned. I highly recommend it!

Response from Host

Oct 2024

Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with Jill and hope to see you again!

I6491BOkristenj

Sep 2024

John S. was informative, fun, and made the walking tour a really great experience. I will definitely do more tours as walking gives you time to stop and learn and see buildings from a different perspective

Response from Host

Sep 2024

Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour and hope to see you again!