Tour the lobbies of five opulent Art Deco skyscrapers built near the banks of the Chicago River during the business boom of the Roaring '20s. Learn how Art Deco reflected the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornament. Discover the origins of Art Deco while admiring buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building (now Pendry Chicago), the Chicago Motor Club Building (now the Hampton Inn) and the colorful, but often overlooked, Trustees System Service Building (now the Century Tower)—all of which are designated Chicago landmarks. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
Tour Options
Art Deco Riverfront
Itinerary
90 min
Discuss buildings built in the Art Deco style along the riverfront
10 min
View the exterior of the building
10 min
View the Carbide and Carbon Building
10 min
Visit the former Chicago Motor Club Building, 66 E Wacker Place
10 min
Visit the Trustees System Service Building
10 min
Visit Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Plaza
Highlights
Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
Narration by a professional and certified guide
What's included
Included
Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
Narration by a professional and certified guide
Not included
Coat check
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Storage for luggage or strollers
Traveller Ratings
4.9
102 reviews
5
100
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
1
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
Pets are not allowed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront take?
Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront cost?
Prices start at $35 per person for this Chicago experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet inside the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible
Reviews(102)
V
VES333
August 29, 2026
Great tour of Art Deco buildings
Out tour guide Maureen was excellent. She gave us an excellent overview of several buildings inside and out. She was very informed and kept the pace just right. We are members of the Chicago Architecture Foundation and it has been a great investment because they offer so many excellent tours like this one
Operator response
Thank you for the terrific review! The Art Deco tour is fabulous and we're delighted you enjoyed exploring with Maureen. We appreciate your support as a CAC Member and look forward to seeing you on your next tour!
G
GBW100
August 14, 2026
Insightful insight into Chicago's Art Deco buildings on the riverfront
Very informative walking tour covering several Chicago skyscrapers completed in the Art Deco period (late 1920s). The tour guide (Mitch) did a great job mixing history with more recent updates about Chicago, demonstrating knowledge and enthusiasm for the city and its architecture
Operator response
Thank you for the great review! The Art Deco tour is fantastic and Mitch is a spectacular docent. We appreciate the 5 stars and hope to see you again!
H
Hope v
July 9, 2026
Excellent Tour
Mitch was a wonderful tour guide. He was very knowledgeable. Loved the buildings and historical details.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Art Deco tour with Mitch and appreciate the 5 stars. We hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
S
SandVP
July 8, 2026
Opportunity to see inside some wonderful buildings in Chicago.
This was an opportunity to see the beautiful art deco interiors of buildings. Our guide,Nick, had a wealth of knowledge on the art deco designs and the history of the buildings.
Tour is an ideal complement to the exterior walking tours.
Operator response
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Art Deco tour with Nick and appreciate the kind words. We hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
K
Kerry Connell a... G
June 15, 2026
Excellent Art Deco Walking Tour
We did the art deco walking tour with CAC. We had a wonderful guide, Betsy J, , who was enthusiastic and extremely well informed. Betsy and the tour far exceeded our expectations. She moved the tour along at a brisk pace but stopped to explain architectural details and answer questions along the way. Highly recommend. Thanks Betsy!!
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're delighted you enjoyed the Art Deco tour and appreciate the recommendation. We hope to see you again!
J
jeanerSF
June 7, 2026
Fantastic Tour
Great tour led by knowledgeable volunteer who takes you inside architectural treasures!
Operator response
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Art Deco tour and hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
I
IsolaBella88
May 30, 2026
Art deco delight
Excellent way to explore Chicago and learn more about its history and architecture. Loved our guide (Jennifer) who took time to show us big and small details. The weather was perfect (with the right amount of wind to remind us we are in Chicago) and left the tour wanting more.
We were given headsets before the walk started which meant we could hear our guide even in the bustle of the city.
One other comment about the tours organised by the CAC: the guides all volunteers who love their city and enjoy sharing it with others. None of them accepts tips. This deserves a special shout out.
Strongly recommended.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Art Deco tour and hope to see you again the next time you visit. We appreciate the recommendation!
C
CruiserSeattle
May 27, 2026
Worthwhile tour
This was really good, particularly after the boat tour as we got to go inside the buildings. Mary Jane was very informative and easy to talk with.
Operator response
A River Cruise followed by the Art Deco walking tour is a GREAT combination. Thank you so much for touring with us. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your experience and hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
U
U8658KMmaureenc
May 20, 2026
Fantastic Tour - Worth the time and money
I grew up in Chicago and had family visiting from out of town. We took a walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Center. The tour guide was fantastic. While I already knew a lot about Chicago history, I never toured the buildings we saw. I learned so much more about Chicago’s rich history and architecture. If you have a few hours, the tours are worth the time and money.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you and your family enjoyed the Art Deco tour and appreciate the recommendation. We hope to see you again soon!
A
allison2298
May 18, 2026
Great walking tour
Mitch was our guide and he was terrific. He got us into great places to view the. Buildings out of the pouring rain! He was informative and very conversational, had lots of info, and asked for questions at every stop
Operator response
Thank you for the fantastic review! As you experienced, our docents are trained in architecture, design and Chicago history AND in navigating a tour during rainy days. We're delighted you enjoyed the Art Deco tour and hope to see you again!
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