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Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Skyscrapers

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.

As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
City: Chicago
Sun 08 Jun
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $35.00
Sun 08 Jun
Starting at $35.00
Make a reservation
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
Additional Info
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour will depart from the Fine Arts Building, 410 S Michigan Ave.
  • Not recommended for young children.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
What To Expect
1
Fine Arts Building
Meet here to start the tour.
2
Auditorium Building
View the building from the outside
3
The Rookery Building
View the building from the outside
4
Chicago Board Of Trade Building
View the exterior of the building
5
Marquette Building
View the building from the outside
6
Monadnock Building
View the exterior of the building
7
Chicago Architecture Center
This building is not directly part of the tour, however, the tour ticket includes admission to the galleries at the Chicago Architecture Center
Show 4 more stops
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (64)
matthewcB340SR
Dec 2024
Really loved the Reliance Building tomorrow. Docent was very knowledgeable and made tour interesting! Will definitely do more tours soon. Thanks!
Response from Host
Jan 2025
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour of the Reliance Building and hope to see you again!
giapet333
Sep 2024
Our guide was friendly a knowledgeable and gave us a great crash course in early Chicago architecture, we absolutely loved it!
Response from Host
Oct 2024
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Historic Skyscrapers tour and hope to see you again!
pdxbbtravelers
Sep 2024
We have taken many walking tours with the Chicago Architecture Center, and loved every one of them. This tour about Chicago’s first skyscrapers was the best of the best. The guide was fantastic. We highly recommend the tour!
Response from Host
Sep 2024
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Chicago's First Skyscrapers tour and hope to see you again!

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