Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Chicago
Looking for iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture? What better place than Chicago with its triumvirate of modern architects (Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and SOM) and a city ready and willing to accept them. Find out what set these buildings apart from their predecessors and how they helped set the stage for the future. If you’re interested in iconic buildings, public art, urban planning or government this is your tour. Find out the stories behind inland steel, Marina city, the IBM building and other "Mad Men" worthy skyscrapers. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
Your tour begins at the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Visit the CAC to view a 4,000-building scale model of Chicago or shop in the award-winning store.
View the Prudential Building.
View the Aon Center.
View the Inland Steel Building.
Marvel at Richard J. Daley Center, one of the first buildings to be covered in an unpainted steel called Cor-Ten. The docent will also discuss the famous "Chicago Picasso" artwork in the plaza.
Discuss the AMA Plaza, formerly home to the office of Mies van der Rohe.
Highlights include Marina City, a mixed-use residential-commercial building designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, envisioned as an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.
View the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue.
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 8 stops.
Prices start at $26 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.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
The guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and very good at explaining lots of interesting information.
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the River Cruise and appreciate the kind words. We hope to see you again!
Delta Greene our guide was fantastic. She gave us many details about how they were built when they were built and the style and structure. She asked questions. I would love to have her again if I should return for another tour.
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Modern Architecture tour with Delta and appreciate the recommendation. We hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
I was fortunate to have a private tour with Delta. Before the tour I had no knowledge (or appreciation) for modern architecture. She changed that! Delta was a wealth of interesting information and stories and she patiently answered all of my questions. What a great experience! I highly recommend the CAC architecture tours.
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with Delta and appreciate the recommendation. We hope to see you again!
Whether you are visiting Chicago, live in the city or even in the block. This walking tour of Dearborn Parkway in the Gold Coast neighborhood is filled with beauty and history. And our guide Virginia offered us the architectural and historic detail. One of many excellent walking tours I’ve taken through the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
Thank you for the wonderful review and for continuing to tour with us! We are delighted you enjoyed the tour, appreciate the kind words and look forward to seeing you on your next CAC tour.
This tour was so well done. Hannah was a great tour guide, leading us around the city, teaching us all about the modern architecture. I highly recommend doing this tour if you love architecture!
Thank you for the great review! W'ere so happy you enjoyed the Modern Architecture tour with Hannah and hope to see you on other tours!
Bill is wonderful, very knowledgeable and friendly.
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're delighted you enjoyed the Modern tour with Bill and hope to see you on more tours!
Super instructive walk with Mitch through historic evolution of architecture in Chicago
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Modern Architecture tour with Mitch and appreciate the recommendation!
Larry did an amazing Job showing us around. His passion for modern architecture shines through the tour. Also his anecdotal stories are Much appreciated and bring more life to the tour.
Thank you for the wonderful review! It’s great to hear that Larry’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and personal anecdotes brought the Modernist tour to life. We hope you’ll join us again for another architectural adventure!
Wonderful guide and great tour. Very interesting and informative. Our guide went above and beyond throughout the tour.
We’re delighted you enjoyed the Modernism and the Loop tour! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We appreciate the kind words and hope to see you again!
I had a private tour with my guide Delta who narrated the beginning of Mies Van Der and his architectural legacy around the city . She also showed me architectural modern masterpieces like the Inland steel bldg including the lobby , explaining both its materiality as well as its historic context . Overall it was a wonderful tour with a very informative tour guide who gave me her best for the time spent . Keep the good work going !!!!
We’re thrilled to hear you had such an informative and enjoyable tour! There’s always more to explore in Chicago’s modern architecture, and we hope you’ll join us again.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture | 1h 30min | 4.9 (68) | $26 | |
 Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady | 1h 30min | 4.9 (7,026) | $57 | View |
 Chicago Architecture River Cruise | 1h–1h 30min | 4.8 (16,969) | $39 | View |
 Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour | 1h 30min | 4.7 (10,918) | $45 | View |
 Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise | 1h 30min | 4.7 (722) | $46 | View |
 Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile | 45 min | 4.7 (3,577) | $28 | View |
 Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise | 1h 30min | 4.5 (432) | $50 | View |