Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present
Description
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. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin and end the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center.
View the Wrigley Building and some of the surrounding buildings
View the Daley Center and surrounding buildings
View the Reliance Building and surrounding buildings
View the Pritzker Pavilion and surrounding buildings
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Pets are not allowed.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
Reviews(43)
Highly recommend the Graceland Cemetery Tour. Many prominent Chicago figures are there and the cemetery is also considered an arboretum.
Thank you for the great review! We're delighted you enjoyed the Graceland Cemetery tour and appreciate the recommendation. We hope to see you again!
It was a comprehensive tour about history, development, architecture, and past trade routes. Small details were explained with historical perspectives. Appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteer tour guides.
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Connecting Past and Present tour and hope to see you again!
Thank you for your insight Virginia! the Astor St tour was 👌
Thank you for the terrific review! We're delighted you enjoyed the tour with Virginia and hope to see you again soon!
A must do for anyone remotely interested in architecture in a city that has arguably contributed the most to development and building design in the US. Mary was knowledgeable and personable.
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with Mary and hope to see you again!
Mitch gave us a fantastic tour. With great insight to the history of Chicago. I truly recommend this tour.
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour and hope to see you again the next time you visit.
Very informational tour with an excellent guide!
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the River Cruise and hope to see you again soon!
David Ferguson was an incredible knowledgeable guide and gave us quite the education. It was especially helpful as we did a river tour the following day and his insights from before really aided our enjoyment of the more lighthearted style of the second tour.
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour and hope to see you again!
Superb tour with guide David Ferguson! David was thoroughly knowledgeable and informative, giving us detailed insights on the various buildings we walked by and went into. Five stars plus!!
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour and hope to see you again!
Great docent, very knowledgeable. Learned a lot about my city. Especially the architect of the Marshall field’s building. Thank you!
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour and hope to see you again on more CAC tours!
The tour was excellent! Great for visitors, or local Chicagoans looking to learn more about the city. Tom was an amazing tour guide - very engaging, knowledgeable, and friendly. Will do more tours with CAC in the future!
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour and we look forward to seeing you again!
