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

Mon 15 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Mon 15 Dec

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)

MarkusD997

Dec 2024

Great and knowledgeable tour guide. Very much recommended tour! Gave us a great overview of modernistic architecture in Chicago

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed it the Modern architecture tour and hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!

SherylS839

Nov 2024

As a Chicago native I was amazed how much new information and historical perspective my wife and I got. Our docent was truly excellent

Response from Host

Nov 2024

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

Lynda_Z

Nov 2024

My tour was canceled when I got to where it was to begin. I was not notified and annoyed to have planned my vacation day around this. I asked the Architecture center to credit my VISA. They could not as I Booked via a 3rd party. I rebooked another tour later that day. By then it was much colder and very windy. Tour guide was very good and tour was great. But I opted out at the end as it was getting dark and much colder to walk around. If you want an architecture tour go to the canter or website and book direct. Third party booking creates problems . Most of all I was annoyed that tour was cancelled when I got there. The architecture center is definitely worth a visit.