Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present
Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present
This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present. We'll compare and contrast a wide range of buildings with varying architectural styles and see how older structures connect to new skyline additions.On this tour, we'll make seven stops in downtown Chicago where we can compare the histories and styles of buildings located within sight of each other. The tour features 19th-Century Commercial, Beaux-Arts, Mid-Century Modern and Postmodern buildings, as well as the latest in architecture from Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano and Adrian Smith.
At each stop, we’ll look at the connections between the past and present and discover what inspires design today. The tour culminates with a visit to Millennium Park, where world-class art and architecture combine, creating a unique urban fabric.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Chicago Architecture Center
Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.
10 minutesWrigley Building
View the Wrigley Building and some of the surrounding buildings
5 minutesMarina City
View Marina City and discuss some of the surrounding buildings
5 minutesDaley Center
View the Daley Center and surrounding buildings
5 minutesReliance Building
View the Reliance Building and surrounding buildings
5 minutesJay Pritzker Pavilion
View the Pritzker Pavilion and surrounding buildings
5 minutesIncluded
- Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
- Narration by a professional and certified guide
- Walking tour featuring some of Chicago's most famous buildings
- Entry/Admission - Chicago Architecture Center
Not Included
- Coat check
- Food and drink
- Storage for luggage and strollers
Good to Know
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Stroller accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- The Chicago Architecture Center or CAC (formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation, CAF) is at the south end of the Magnificent Mile near the intersection of Michigan and Wacker.
- Tour Guides are trained and certified by the CAC. As volunteers, they are exceptionally motivated, enthusiastic, and capable interpreters of Chicago's world-class architectural legacy. CAC tours are the real deal - narrated, but not scripted, led by Chicago enthusiasts.
- Most travelers can participate
- Pets are not allowed.
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.