Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Skyscrapers
Chicago is home to some of the world’s earliest skyscrapers. Get an up-close look at these 19th Century marvels, learn about innovations used to build them and discover how they transformed Chicago into a center of skyscraper design and engineering. Highlights on this walking tour include Burnham and Root’s Rookery (1888), a transitional building with a Moorish and Romanesque exterior and a stunning interior atrium re-designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; Adler and Sullivan’s Auditorium Building (1889), a masterpiece of acoustical and structural engineering; and Holabird and Roche’s Marquette Building (1895), an outstanding example of the metal frame expression with traditional details and decorations. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
Departure Point
- This tour meets at 410 S. Michigan Ave., outside the Fine Arts Building.
Return Details
- Monadnock Building. Actual ending location may vary.
Duration
1 hour and 30 minutes
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Fine Arts Building
410 S Michigan Ave, , Chicago, Illinois
Meet here to start the tour.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: The Rookery Building
209 S La Salle St, , Chicago, Illinois
View the building from the outside
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Chicago Board Of Trade Building
141 W Jackson Blvd, La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois
View the building from the outside
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Marquette Building
140 S Dearborn St, , Chicago, Illinois
View the exterior of the building
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Monadnock Building
53 W Jackson Blvd, , Chicago, Illinois
View the building from the outside
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Chicago Architecture Center
111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois
View the exterior of the building
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Auditorium Building
430 S Michigan Ave, , Chicago, Illinois
This building is not directly part of the tour, however, the tour ticket includes admission to the galleries at the Chicago Architecture Center
Duration: 1 minute
Additional Information
- 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
- This tour will depart from the Fine Arts Building, 410 S Michigan Ave.
- Not recommended for young children.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
- Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
- Narration by a professional and certified Guide
- Historic walking tour of Chicago's architecture
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Coat check
- Storage for luggage and strollers
Redemption Instructions
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at 410 S. Michigan Avenue and have your confirmation at hand. The docent will have your name on a list of attendees.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Center in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings