Chicago's Modern Skyscrapers Guided Walking Tour

Chicago's Modern Skyscrapers Guided Walking Tour

6 Reviews

Wheelchair accessible Tours Activities For first-time visitors For adults Sightseeing walking tours Culture & history Landmarks & monuments Neighborhood tours Outdoor activities Guided tours Art Photography tours Architecture Sightseeing Viewing points

Chicago is recognized as a leader in Modern architecture, a style that revolutionized the visual world during the mid-20th century. Learn how Chicago developed the skeleton frame Modern skyscraper and gain insights into iconic Modernist Chicago buildings.

Our Top Experiences and Tours in Chicago:

If youʻre booking your trip to Chicago last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!

View All Experiences

Highlights

See ground-breaking modern skyscrapers by Ludwig Mies vander Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and Harry Weese
Learn about many modern structures lining the Chicago River as you walk along the new River Walk
Discover the roots of Modernism at the Reliance Building

Description

Join a tour which focuses on Modernism, the dominant visual style of the 20th century, which continues to strongly influence design in the 21st century. Modernism has affected the shape of everything from houses to furniture and appliances, cars and even fashion. But the most spectacular effect of Modernism has been the modern skyscraper made of steel or reinforced concrete with vast areas of glass. It is a product of the age of mass production. Chicago is widely considered the birthplace of the skeleton frame, which forms the core of the modern skyscraper. On your tour, learn about how two men made a lasting impact on Chicago, Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and politician, Mayor Richard J. Daley. Enjoy superb views of the riverfront while walking along the River Walk. Highlighted buildings include Marina City, the Daley Center and the IBM Building. Tickets purchased for experiences run by the Chicago Architecture Center help build the greater Chicago community. When you hit the pavement on a walking tour, set sail on an award-winning river cruise (Chicago's First Lady), or visit the Center, you’re helping fund Chicago Architecture Center education initiatives like Girls Build!, Teen Fellows and the Newhouse Architecture + Design Competition. Or you may be helping to keep programs like Open House Chicago free for participants for years to come. As a certified nonprofit, all Chicago Architecture Center ticket purchases directly support local education efforts and community engagement projects.

Includes

Includes admission to the Chicago Architecture Center Exhibits (new) Walking tour Certified docent from the Chicago Architecture Center

Important Information

All tours are given by Chicago Architecture Center certified volunteer docents who receive hundreds of hours of training about Chicago’s architecture and its history. They are storytellers and Chicago experts
This tour is unable to provide secure storage for luggage or strollers
Unfortunately, there are no refunds due to the weather, tours depart rain or shine, so please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes
Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome