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Guided tour

Chicago: Evolution of the Skyscraper Walking Tour

4.7  / 5
6 reviews
Activity provider:Chicago Architecture Center
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Guided tour

Chicago: Evolution of the Skyscraper Walking Tour

Activity provider:Chicago Architecture Center
4.7  / 5
6 reviews

From US$ 30 per person

Chicago built some of the world’s first skyscrapers, with changing designs and technologies over time. Explore how these major developments came about, with examples from classic buildings to super-tall highrises from 1872 to the present.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Go on a journey through time to see how Chicago became the city it is today
  • Discover architecturally significant buildings in chronological order
  • Hear the story of the development of the city, from the exploration of the river to the present day
  • See how architectural technology has evolved over time and discover the unique designs in a variety of skyscrapers
  • Learn from your local expert guide, trained by the Chicago Architecture Center – the city’s leading authority on architecture
Full description
This 90-minute tour is a chronological overview of Chicago's architecture, starting with its growth on the Chicago River, its rebirth after the Great Chicago Fire and its development into a commercial and cultural hub. See how architects adapted building styles to meet the fashions of their era and used cutting-edge engineering to build taller than ever before. This tour is an enticing overview which introduces you to the most important stories of Chicago architecture. On this tour, you'll learn about the city's beginnings on the river, its rebirth after the Great Fire and its development into a commercial and cultural hub, all while viewing structures in the order they were built. These buildings—including the Page Brothers Building, Old Dearborn Bank, the Chicago Motor Club, the Carbide and Carbon Building, NBC Tower and more—tell the story of how architectural technology evolved over time. You'll see up close how each building has its own unique design, often reflecting the style that was popular or prevalent when it was constructed. 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)
  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Certified guide from the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
  • Storage for luggage and strollers
  • Coat check

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Inside the Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601

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Important information

What to bring

  • Face mask or protective covering

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • This tour is unable to provide secure storage for luggage or strollers
  • Unfortunately there are no refunds due to the weather and tours depart rain or shine
  • Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome

From US$ 30 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
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Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 6 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Value for money
    5/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5

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It was a modest but very informative walk that encompassed a few blocks around the Architecture Foundation Center. The Center itself has a very interesting miniature of the Chicago Loop and a good array of books and potential gifts in their 'store'. We had been on boat tours before, but this was the first walking tour. We really enjoyed the walk, the information and the questions we got to ask!

Read more

August 30, 2021

D
David Verified booking

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Product ID: 159698

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