Chicago Architecture Foundation guided tours

Chicago architecture

The Chicago Architecture Foundation introduces visitors to the "City of Skyscrapers" through themed tours and exhibitions with regularly changing themes. These projects are led by Chicagoans who are passionate about the architecture of their city.

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The tours take visitors on a journey through the most important buildings of Chicago's "architectural school". Its most famous skyscrapers, its parks, its lakefront, its historic homes, its outdoor works of art. On foot, by boat, bus or bike, some tours are even designed for the little ones. There are more than 80 of them, but only a small number offer commentary in French, German or Italian (check the timetables).

Palmer House in Chicago

If you are short on time, you can take part in the "Lunchtime Tours", which take place during the lunch break and look at the characteristics of some of the city's most emblematic buildings. Each tour focuses on a single building: Willis Tower (Sears Tower), Trump Tower, John Hancock Building, Chicago Board of Trade, Fine Arts Building, Palmer House Hotel, and more. "Big buildings, mini towers" promises the slogan. "(Big buildings, mini tours). Lunchtime tours begin at 12:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday and last approximately 1 hour.

Carbide & Carbon Building in Chicago

Self-guided audio tours are available in English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. They can be rented for $15 per person at the Chicago Architecture Foundation Boutique, 224 S. Michigan Avenue, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Audio tours average 90 minutes (audio commentary only, not including travel time).

Most tours are narrated in English. Some - a minority of the topics covered - are led by guides who speak French, German and Italian (in these cases, please check schedules).