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

Wed 27 Aug

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Wed 27 Aug

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 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)

Michael H

Jun 2013

This tour was organised through the Chicago Architecture Foundation and the guides are volunteers so some are better than others. We found it extremely interesting but you would need an interest in architecture to enjoy this tour.

Ann U

May 2013

Being a native, I've seen all of these building before. I think anyone from out of town would be more impressed. Due to logistics, we weren't able to get close to these buildings, and there was quite a bit of repetition between the historic skyscraper tour and this one.

Richard H

Aug 2009

Very interesting! Need to be in good shape, you walk at a pretty fast clip.