Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture

Overview

Looking for iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture? What better place than Chicago with its triumvirate of modern architects (Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and SOM) and a city ready and willing to accept them. Find out what set these buildings apart from their predecessors and how they helped set the stage for the future.

If you’re interested in iconic buildings, public art, urban planning or government this is your tour. Find out the stories behind inland steel, Marina city, the IBM building and other "Mad Men" worthy skyscrapers.

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

City: Chicago

Fri 20 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 Jun

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

What's Included

Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center

Walking tour of Chicago's modern and postmodern architecture

Narration by a professional and certified guide

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
Pets are not allowed.
The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.

What To Expect

Chicago Architecture Center

Your tour begins at the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Visit the CAC to view a 4,000-building scale model of Chicago or shop in the award-winning store.

Daley Center

Marvel at Richard J. Daley Center, one of the first buildings to be covered in an unpainted steel called Cor-Ten. The docent will also discuss the famous "Chicago Picasso" artwork in the plaza.

Marina City

Highlights include Marina City, a mixed-use residential-commercial building designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, envisioned as an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (48)

annette58_12

Mar 2025

Paul was our docent and our Post War Modernization Tour was wonderful. Paul was very knowledgeable and had a friendly demeanor. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

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

A9263TBlh

Jan 2025

Our guide Paul was fantastic! Super knowledgeable and passionate about modernist architecture. He was more than willing to brave the frigid cold for my out of town friend and I (we were the only two guests on the tour). I’ve lived in Chicago my entire life, went to school downtown, and was given a fresh perspective and appreciation for several buildings I have passed many times but had not taken much notice of. Highly recommend the tour, and kudos to Paul for his excellent guidance.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

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

cameronk679

Dec 2024

Had a spectacular time nerding out about cool buildings and infrastructure would book another! Paul was great very knowledgeable

Response from Host

Jan 2025

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