Perhaps Chicago's most identifiable claim to fame resides in its architecture. The prototype of the modern industrial metropolis arose from the charred landscape left by the Great Fire of 1871. Many of Chicago's surviving buildings are the forefathers of the great modern skyscrapers and on this walking tour you will discover the historic beginnings of the Chicago School of Architecture and the earliest skyscrapers, built between the 1870s and the 1930s.
The tour features numerous buildings in Chicago's Loop that were built in this era, including:
- Chicago Board of Trade Building, one of the city's finest examples of Art Deco architecture
- The Auditorium Building, a Louis Sullivan masterpiece
- The Rookery, a National Historic Landmark
Learn about the architects who influenced the city's architecture and view their creations on this guided walking tour, sampling Chicago's rich past. As they say in Chicago, "The City is Our Museum" so come walk with the experts!
Schedule Details
Historic Loop Skyscrapers
Departure Dates:
Daily
Unavailable Dates:
- New Years Day (1 January)
- Thanksgiving Day (22 November, 2007 / 27 November, 2008)
- Christmas Day (25 December)
Departure Point:
Please meet 10 minutes before departure at the ArchiCenterShop in the Santa Fe Building, 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago.Departure Time:
- 10:00am - Daily
- 3:00pm - Daily, except Wednesday, May to October only
$ Pricing Information
- Prices are listed as a guide only. For an exact price quote, select a date
- Children aged 0-9 years are free of charge
- Senior prices are applicable for adults aged 65 years and over
- Prices are per person.
- Currency is set to USD. Change currency
- Our pricing is updated constantly to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.
- Learn more about our low-price guarantee.
Please note: this tour is not suitable for young children. The academic and historic content of the tour is oriented to adults and mature young people.
Additional Information
Historic Loop Skyscrapers
Inclusions:
- Historic walking tour of Chicago's Architecture
- Narration by a professional and certified Guide
- Complimentary beer at Berghoff Restaurant (Happy Hour Tour only)
- Tax
Additional Info:
- This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date
- Confirmation for this tour will be received at time of booking
- ArchiCenter is operated by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and is located at 248 South Michigan Avenue in the Santa Fe Building across from the Art Institute on the northwest corner of Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue. Open 361 days a year from 9:30am-6:30pm Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-6:00pm Sundays
- Tour Guides are trained and certified by the CAF. As volunteers, they are exceptionally motivated, enthusiastic, and capable interpreters of Chicago's world-class architectural legacy. CAF tours are the real deal - narrated, but not scripted, led by Chicago enthusiasts
- No gratuities
Local Operator Information:
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.