architecture tour chicago fireworks

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Fireworks Cruise From Navy Pier Aboard Tall Ship Windy!

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 90 Minutes
• User Ages: All Ages
• Calendar Availability: Wednesdays & Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
• Sailboat Sail: Chicago Fireworks Cruise
• Map Marker Departure: Chicago's Navy Pier

The Wednesday Fireworks Sail departs promptly at 8:45pm. The Saturday Fireworks Sail departs promptly at 9:15pm.

See Stunning Fireworks over the Chicago Skyline

Watching Fireworks from Navy Pier has become a Chicago tradition and there is no better seat in the house to watch the show than sailing aboard 148′ Tall Ship Windy – the Official Flagship of the City of Chicago!

Order a cold drink from our bar and enjoy a thrilling fireworks performance as you sail along the stunning and iconic Chicago skyline during this special event sail. Sailing on Lake Michigan past the beaches and skyline, you will not only enjoy the stunning fireworks show, but also great music, stories and drinks. This is the famous fireworks sail on Lake Michigan, so book early as it sells out quickly.

• Chevron down Board First with VIP Captains Boarding - Limited Tickets Available!

All seating on board Tall Ship Windy is first come, first served. Guests with  VIP Captains Boarding  tickets board first before General Admission ticket holders. A limited number of VIP tickets are available and are likely to sell out. Board first to choose your seat on one of Windy’s three decks: the forward, middle or aft.

All VIP Captains Boarding tickets also include trip insurance. On special sails like this one, trip insurance allows you to change or cancel your reservation and receive a refund up to 24 hours before your scheduled sail time. General Admission tickets on special sails without trip insurance may not change or cancel a reservation.

• Chevron down Add-on Trip Insurance

$8.00 Per Guest | Add to your ticket at checkout

On special sails like this one, trip insurance allows you to change or cancel your reservation and receive a refund up to 24 hours before your scheduled sail time. Refunds for cancelled charters are less the $8.00 cost of insurance and 3% booking fees.

General Admission tickets on special sails without trip insurance may not change or cancel a reservation.

• Chevron down Special Sails Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. General Admission tickets on special sails without trip insurance may not change or cancel a reservation.

• RAIN OR SHINE EVENT: In the unlikely event that your tour is cancelled, you may exchange your ticket for another day or receive a refund.
• No-shows will not be eligible for rescheduling or refund. Guests must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time or risk forfeiture.
• The Captain reserves the right to postpone a sail for up to 15 minutes in the case of passing inclement weather.
• Add-on Trip Insurance: Allows you to change or cancel your reservation and receive a refund up to 24 hours before your scheduled sail time.

Related Sails

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• Hour Glass 75 Minutes

Chicago Skyline Sail Aboard 148' Tall Ship Windy

Explore Chicago’s scenic shores and enjoy this Windy City boat tour with a relaxing sail around Lake Michigan. Take in the world-famous Chicago skyline, enjoy spectacular city views and discover the Windy City from the water. Select from Pirates and Maritime stories at 1pm, Architectural Tour and Skyline at 3pm and 5pm or a Chicago Sunset Cruise at 7pm.

• Frequently Sells Out

Chicago Skyline Sunset Sail

For the best Chicago sunset, visitors and residents alike, join us aboard the 148′ Tall Ship Windy – the official ambassador for the City of Chicago. Departing from Navy Pier daily, you will enjoy a spectacular sailing cruise and enjoy the breathtaking moments as the sun sets gently behind the Chicago Skyline. There is nothing like Chicago at sunset.

Architecture Fireworks Tours by Shoreline Sightseeing

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Shoreline’s 90-minute July 4th Architecture Fireworks Tours begin with a dramatic, guided architecture tour on the Chicago River. Boats will then head towards the mouth of the river for fantastic views of the July 4th fireworks at Navy Pier. Shoreline currently has multiple tour times available beginning at 8:15 p.m. from our docks at Polk Bros Park (SW corner of Navy Pier*), and at Michigan Avenue (NE corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge). Boarding will begin 15 minutes before departure with a cash bar available.

• Adults: $28-$45
• Children: 12
• Under: $14-$24
• July 4, 2019
• 8:15 PM - 9:45 PM

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COMING SOON ARCHITECTURAL FIREWORKS CRUISE

2 hours — river & lake* , architectural fireworks cruise.

Adults : $48    Seniors : $46    Youths : $26    Children 6 and under : Free

Enjoy your favorite drink while gazing Chicago’s magnificent architecture and finish your cruise with a fabulous light show, at Navy Pier!

Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century.

Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued a proclamation approving the use of fireworks to celebrate the World’s Colombian Exposition and to celebrate the nation’s 117th Independence Day.

This fascination with fireworks, noise, and color continues today. The City of Chicago offers a fireworks show at Navy Pier on Wednesdays at 9:30pm and Saturday nights at 10:15pm.

Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat. Complimentary Coca-Cola soft drinks, lemonade, and cookies are included. Depending on lock traffic, our fireworks cruise will sail along one of two routes, river only or river and lake.

Join us at 8pm on Wednesday nights and 8:30pm on Saturdays for our narrated Architectural Fireworks 2-hour Cruise. There’s something for everyone on this one of a kind cruise!

* Subject to change, depends on lock traffic and weather conditions

• Due to heavy Lake traffic, cruises may return to dock 30 minutes later than scheduled.

A CRUISE YOU’LL SURELY REMEMBER

Stunning light show.

OVERVIEW OF CHICAGO LINE’S

MERCHANDISE

Never forget your onboard experience on your Chicago Line cruise. Be sure to purchase one of our stylish souvenirs today!

COMPLIMENTARY

Starbucks Coffee, Twinings Tea, Coca-Cola soft drinks and lemonade are all complimentary.

BEER, WINE & COCKTAILS

Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase at any time.

CHICAGO LINE CRUISES

Sail with us, make your moments memorable with chicago line cruises.

PRIVATE EVENTS

For parties up to 170, we have fully-outfitted boats and onboard amenities to help you create a private event they’ll talk about for years to come.

DO YOU HAVE A GROUP OF 20 OR MORE? CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL RATES!

Group discount rates are available for parties of 20 or more aboard any of our river cruises.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CHICAGO LINE TOURS!

GIFT TICKETS

To give a special someone, friend or client the best tour in Chicago, simply ask at our ticket office or contact us.

This is my 8th time on a Chicago architectural river cruise and this was by far the most informative and biggest bang for your buck. Operagolf / LaHabra

The best guide on our whole USA trip. We took the Architecture tour where the boat meandered in between all of the incredible buildings of the city with the guide knowing EVERYTHING about each building; its style, age, height, architect, cost, purpose, owner ….. Quite brilliant! DrCumbrian / TripAdvisor

I've done several of the architecture cruises since my family moved to Chicago, and this is the best one yet! Allie K / TripAdvisor

If you only have time for one sight-seeing event while in Chicago, do this. We really have no great interest in architecture, but this tour came highly recommended and we did not regret it. Allice I / Oklahoma

My wife and I very much enjoyed the Chicago Line Cruise jazz cruise... My spouse said this was one of the favorite things she has done in Chicago since moving here in the past year, and I agree. I am a jazz snob, and ... I was very pleased with the music offered by the Geordie Kelly group. He's a fine jazz guitarist, and his band was great. Augie R / Yelp

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• Architecture River Tour

Windy City wow

World-famous landmarks.

There’s nothing quite like seeing Chicago’s world-famous architecture from all three branches of the Chicago River. From hidden treasures to the city’s most well-known sights, you’ll view over 40 Chicago landmarks on our 75-minute Architecture River Boat Tours. 

Enjoy the spectacular views as you listen to our tour guides tell you how Chicago’s buildings, architecture, and engineering made the city famous.

Casting off

Our Architecture River Tours depart from two docks, one at Michigan Avenue and the other at Navy Pier. No matter which dock you depart from, you’ll see all of the spectacular sights as you tour the Chicago River.

Michigan Avenue

401 N. Michigan Ave

Steps off of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, our Michigan Avenue dock starts your tour in the heart of the Chicago River.

124 N. Streeter Drive

Start your tour down the Chicago River at our Navy Pier dock, which sits at the entrance to the iconic Navy Pier boardwalk. This dock is more accessible to wheelchairs.

Our Architecture River Tour takes you up and down the three branches of the Chicago River, providing breathtaking views of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers and landmarks at every turn.

Adults: $49.95

Children (3-12): $26.95

Children 2 and under: Free

Tour highlights:

• 75-minute, guided boat tour
• Unique views from the water create an entirely new perspective of the city
• 40+ landmarks including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City
• Hear the stories of Chicago’s architects and engineers while viewing their magnificent buildings

Sightseeing in Chicago?

Chicago CityPASS® tickets save 48% on premier admission  to Chicago’s top 5 attractions, including the Architecture River Tour. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a 9-day period. One easy purchase and mobile ticket delivery saves you time and money.

Book an Architecture River Tour

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What tour are you interested in?

Architecture River Tour

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Skyline Lake Tour

Save 48% at 5 top attractions

Where would you like to leave from?

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Please select Navy Pier. (Skyline Lake Tours are unavailable from Michigan Avenue.)

600 E. Grand Ave

When would you like to go?

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Note: Fireworks tours available Wednesday and Saturday evenings in the summer.

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Click the time you’d like to set sail

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Now in its 83rd season, Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

(312) 222-9328 ext. 1 [email protected]

• Skyline Tour
• Fireworks Tour
• Water Taxis
• Accessibility Information

Find Your Chicago Architecture Tour

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Chicago is known around the world for its architecture. Whether you choose to explore our fabled downtown or one of the city’s many distinct and charming neighborhoods, our expert docents will guide you by boat, bus, train or on foot and share the stories behind the buildings. Visit iconic skyscrapers, elegant hotels or the legendary houses of Frank Lloyd Wright. With dozens of tours to choose from, we won't blame you if you can't pick just one.

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Visiting chicago.

Choose one of CAC’s acclaimed architecture tours, from a selection of our guests’ perennial favorites.

Latest and Greatest

Join us on one of our newest tours of the city, led by an expertly trained CAC Docent.

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Select a tour of architectural treasures throughout Chicago and its suburbs, brought to life as only a CAC docent can.

Parks & Public Spaces

Explore Chicago’s green spaces and learn why well-designed parks and outdoor recreational areas are essential to the city.

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Aqua, St. Regis Chicago and Lakeshore East

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Modernism: Reviving the Loop

Previously titled Mid-Century Modern Skyscrapers, this tour takes a look at iconic Mid-Century Modern…

Art Deco Skyscrapers: The Loop

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Tour the lobbies of five opulent Art Deco skyscrapers built near the banks of the Chicago River during…

Chicago's Moveable Bridges

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Walk the 606

Learn about The 606/Bloomingdale Trail and how it came to be during this 90-minute, one-mile walking…

Grant Park Secrets

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Northwestern University

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In addition to being the site of the 1893 World’s Fair, Hyde Park is also home to the University of…

Explore Chinatown

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Fulton-Randolph Market

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Humboldt Park

Walk the historic core in the largest of Chicago’s West Side parks, created by many including William LeBaron Jenney and Jens Jensen. Discover architecture and sculpture that honor many of the immigrant groups that have created our city. Our walk partner…

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Historic Austin

Explore the architectural gems of Austin, a former “railroad suburb” on Chicago’s West side. Annexed in 1899, Austin became the home of numerous immigrant communities and remains a hub for many grand residences built in the fashionable Queen Anne…

Discover the art, architecture and history of Chinatown on this 90-minute walk, which includes stops at a Chinese bakery and a former Italian church. The tour begins and ends near some of Chinatown's tastiest restaurants, convenient for those wanting…

Discover Northwestern University’s stunning, wooded campus on the shore of Lake Michigan. This two-hour walking tour explores a wide variety of architectural styles, from 19th Century Collegiate Gothic buildings to cutting-edge, contemporary designs…

Learn about The 606/Bloomingdale Trail and how it came to be during this 90-minute, one-mile walking tour along the beautifully restored Bloomingdale railroad viaduct on Chicago’s northwest side.

Discover the fascinating 150-year evolution of the Fulton-Randolph Market District from food wholesaling and meatpacking to gourmet restaurants, technology hubs and boutique hotels.

Hear the history of this stately neighborhood, home to Chicago’s early industrialists, modern-day innovators and President Barack Obama.

Walk Pilsen

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Discover Uptown—a treasure trove of terra cotta ornament and creatively repurposed historic buildings; home to entertainment palaces like the Riviera, Green Mill and the Aragon Ballroom; and one of the most diverse neighborhoods on the North Side.

In addition to being the site of the 1893 World’s Fair, Hyde Park is also home to the University of Chicago and many significant buildings, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Robie House.

Gold Coast: Astor Street

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Mies and Modernism: The IIT Campus Tour

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Beverly (South): A Castle, Mansions and More

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Chicago Fireworks Cruise

Saturdays and Wednesdays May-August (Resumes May 25, 2024)

Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise

Adult: $50.00 | Child (4-12): $25.00 | Under 4: Free

No city embraces summer quite like Chicago. Get up-close and personal every Wednesday and Saturday night on this epic Lake Michigan fireworks cruise. Cruise duration is 2-2.5 hours.

45 Minute River Fireworks Cruise

Adult: $32.00 | Child (4-12): $16.00 | Under 4: Free

Enjoy the Navy Pier Fireworks from the Chicago River. A brief version of Wendella's Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise, this experience is 45 minutes and does not go out to Lake Michigan.

Schedule & Tickets

• Adult: $50.00 Lake Fireworks $32.00 River Fireworks
• Child (4-12): $25.00 Lake Fireworks $16.00 River Fireworks
• Under 4: Free

*Prices listed above are the final prices at checkout.

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Important Info:

• Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
• All bags are subject to inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Outside Alcohol, Weapons of any kind (Firearms, Knives, etc.), Flammables, Explosives.

Your boat includes:

Drinks & Snacks

Full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails, as well as an assortment of snacks, all for purchase. Pinkies up!

Climate-Controlled Lounge

Keeping you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool (or freezing).

No need to hold it. We have changing tables for the little ones who don’t know what holding it is.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW

Chicago Architecture Tour and Fireworks

by admin | Jun 10, 2021 | Chicago Architecture Tour | 0 comments

Registration deadline for this program is June 30th. Trip/tour date: Wednesday, July 28 2021

We will travel to Navy Pier where you will be responsible for your own dinner, there are many places to choose from. Chicago’s architecture is known worldwide – and there’s nothing like seeing it from all three branches of the Chicago River. Over 40 Chicago landmarks await you on our 75-minute Architecture Tour, from hidden architectural treasures to the city’s most famous landmarks. Our expert guides will tell you how Chicago’s buildings, architecture and engineering made the city famous. The tour will end with a front row view of the Navy Pier fireworks from the boat. Tickets for this program will have to be pre-purchased. See page 26 for details.

Fees:  $75R/$75NR

Time:  4:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Age:  Adults

Contact Us at 815-786-8044 to Register

During normal business hours:

Monday thru Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 

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Vote Navy Pier Best Place to See Fireworks!

Navy Pier Seeks to Defend Title as ‘ Best Place to Watch Fireworks ’ in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards! Cast your vote once per day now-May 13th.

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Take in Chicago’s iconic skyline & the scenic Chicago River

Architecture & Sightseeing Cruises

Discover chicago's architecture & sights from the water.

Take in the iconic Chicago iconic skyline and the magnificent Chicago River with one of our sightseeing cruises at Navy Pier!

Ranging from 40-90 minutes in length, sightseeing cruises offer guests panoramic city views along with entertaining and enlightening commentary about Chicago’s architecture and history.

Architecture & Sightseeing Cruises

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Tall Ship Windy is closed for the season and will reopen in May 2024. Visit the Tall Ship Windy website to stay up to date...

The 32 Most Famous Buildings in Chicago

M any famous buildings in Chicago are renowned for its architecture, creativity, and innovation. Did you know that there are also many buildings here that once held the world record for the tallest building in the world?

The architecture dates back to the early 20th century. Check out this video for some interesting locations used to film the movie “The Untouchables”!

The Most Famous Buildings in Chicago

These famous Chicago buildings are visited from around the globe and their architectural appeal continues to be widely celebrated and photographed. Take a tour for all the must-see architecture .

Here is a list of the most famous buildings in Chicago. Read this roundup or click the name in the list to learn something about it, and where it’s located.

333 W. Wacker

Known for its reflective curves of the Chicago River and clouds above, this building is a favorite among Chicagoans.

The greenish glass facade transforms throughout the day to mirror its surroundings like an ever-changing art canvas.

Address: 333 Wacker Dr. | Architect: W. Pederson, Established: 1970

333 S. Wabash

The distinctive red facade is the headquarters of CNA Financial Corporation. This building was painted red to create eye-catching attention, nicknamed Big Red.

It is also known for casting messages to the city by using the lights that radiate through the windows..

Address: 333 S. Wabash St. | Architect: W. Lesnikowski, Established: 1972

The tower is recognized as the world’s tallest building designed by a woman and is on the list of Illinois’ 25 Must See Places!

The wavy balconies were designed to capture views of nearby landmarks. The famous tower was named Aqua to fit the nautical theme of buildings on the Lake Shore.

Address: 225 N. Columbus Dr. | Architect: J. Gang, Established: 2009

Carbide and Carbon Building

This Art Deco high rise on Michigan Ave was transformed into the Hard Rock Hotel and then changed to the St. Jane Hotel.

It is very unique in that the exterior features polished black granite with a dark green tower covered with terra cotta and gold leaf accents.

The famous building was the film location for several movies and TV series.

Address: 230 Michigan Ave. | Architect: Huberb, Daniel Burnham, Established: 1928

Chicago Board of Trade

The Art Deco skyscraper located in the financial district of the Loop serves as a primary stock trading location. The building is a popular sightseeing attraction and location for film and has won numerous awards for preservation efforts.

At the top of the building, Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain stands tall while holding a sheaf of wheat in one hand and a bag of corn in the other to honor the heritage of the commodities market.

Address: 141 W. Jackson Blv. | Architect: Holabird & Root, Established: 1930

Chicago Temple

If not measured by exclusive use for religion, this is the tallest church building in the world based on the distance from the street to the top of the spire.

There are three sanctuaries. The first is four stories tall and seats approximately 1,000 people. The second is known as Dixon Chapel and is located on the second floor.

The third is known as Sky Chapel and is the smallest of the three, seating only 30 people.

Address: 77 W. Washington | Architect: Holabird & Root, Established: 1924

Civic Opera House

Seating over 3500 in the second-largest auditorium in North America, this build stands second only to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.

Music comes alive during the opera season. The venue is also used for other art performances.

Address: 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. | Architect: Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, Established 1929

Daley Center

The center was named after mayor Richard J. Daley and is a premier civic center in the Windy City.

The center’s modern design primarily houses offices and courtrooms for Cook County.

The plaza is well known for its unnamed Picasso sculpture, seasonal farmer markets, and city-sponsored events like Chicago’s Christkindlemarket .

Address 50 W. Washington St. | Architect: J. Brownson, Established 1965

Edgewater Beach Apartments

This building has Miami beach vibes with its pink facade on the north side of Chicago. It is a beautiful sight on a weekend cruise of Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive.

Address: 5555 N. Sheridan Rd. | Architects: Marshall and Fox, Established: 1928

Field Museum of Natural History

Known as The Field Museum, it is one of the largest museums in the world and is known for collections that originated from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Today, it houses permanent exhibitions and attracts up to 2 million annual visitors.

Address: 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. | Architect: Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, Established: 1893

James R Thompson Center

Originally, the building was designed to accommodate the State of Illinois Center. Structure and climate problems has plagued this center.

The large open atrium is also not the best use of square footage. Thus, the building was sold in March of 2022 and tenants have moved from the office spaces. Today, the building is mostly empty and may be demolitioned.

Address: 100 W. Randolph | Architect: H. Jahn, Established: 1985

Lake Point Tower

Well-known for its graceful curves and Y-shape in an extremely picturesque location, this residential skyscraper is located on the waterfront at Lake Michigan near Navy Pier.

The address is the envy of the city with curved outer walls that prevent residents from seeing into other living spaces.

Address: 505 N. Lake Shore Dr. | Architect G. Shiporeit, J. Heinrich, Established: 1965

Marina City

Originally designed to be a city with a city, this building is known as “the corn cob”. The mixed use of space allowed residents to shop, eat, and find entertainment without leaving the complex.

The riverfront is also a great spot for watching the dyeing of the river in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day .

Address: 300 N State St. | Architect: B. Goldberg, Established: 1968

Marquette Building

The original reddish exterior has since darkened due to city pollution. However, the trademark Chicago windows, and style are duly noted as a prime example of the Chicago School of Architecture.

Address: 140 S. Dearborn St. | Architect: W. Holabird and M. Roche, Established 1895

Monadnock Building

Located in the Printer’s Row neighborhood, this structure was originally the center of Chicago’s print and publishing industry. Today, it is used for residential housing.

The interior is dark but lovely with metal railings and glazed wooden doors. The outside walls are very thick because the building sits on a mud foundation.

Address: 53 W. Jackson | Architect: Burnham & Root, Holabird & Root, Established: 1891

South Shore Cultural Center

Built at the turn of the 20th century, the center today serves the community with programs for the youth.

In addition, there are banquet facilities for private events. The golf course still operates and the beach, picnic areas, and nature center are open to the public.

Address: 7059 S. South Shore Dr. | Architect: Marshall and Fox, Established 1908

Smurfit-Stone

Also known as the Stone Container Building, this structure looks as though there are two separate sides with a top shaped like a diamond or triangle. It is equally stunning at night.

Address: 150 North Michigan Ave. | Architect: S. Schlegman, Established: 1984

Prudential Plaza

This distinctive building has received numerous awards and also won the Best Structure Award. It is stacked like chevrons and is the sixth tallest building in the United States.

Address: 180 N. Stetson Ave. | Architect: S. Wright, Established 1990

Formerly the Standard Oil Building and then renamed the Amoco Building, this is the third tallest structure in the city of Chicago.

The facade is clad in Carrara marble from Tuscany, Italy. At great expense, it was replaced with white granite due to deterioration.

Address: 200 E. Randolph St. | Architect: E. Stone, Established: 1973

The Art Institute of Chicago

Recognized as Chicago’s #1 museum, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums worldwide.

The museum is also home to the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside The Louvre in Paris and hosts about 1.5 million visitors annually.

Address 111 S. Michigan Ave. | Architect: R. Piano, Established 1879

The Auditorium Building

This building was designed as a multi-use complex including a theater, hotel, and office space.

It was once home to the Chicago Civic Opera and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and currently hosts season performances of the Joffrey Ballet and not-to-miss annual performances of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Address: 430 S. Michigan Ave. | Architect: D. Adler, L. Sullivan, Established: 1889

The Chicago Theater

This is one of the earlier movie palaces created by movie magnates Balaban & Katz.

The elaborate theaters grew throughout the city and enabled movie-goers to escape everyday life.

Concerts and city events continue to be hosted here and tours of the interior are also available. The theater is also a favored spot for Instagram photos.

Address: 175 N. State St. | Architect: George and Cornelius Rapp, Established: 1921

The Chicago Cultural Center

One of many architectural gems of Chicago, this is one of the best free attractions in the Loop.

Located just off Michigan Ave., across from Millenium Park, you won’t want to miss the key points of architectural interest at the Randolph St. and Washington St. entrances.

There is also a replica of the Doge Palace’s assembly Hall (Sydney R Yates Gallery), an ornate room of Carrara marble (Preston Bradley Hall), and a 38-food Tiffany glass dome which is said to be the largest in the world.

Address: 78 E. Washington St. | Architect: R. Spencer, C. Coolidge, Established: 1897

The John Hancock Building

Located on the Magnificent Mile, the name was changed to 875 North Michigan Ave but Chicagoans still lovingly refer to it as the John Hancock.

It was once the second tallest building in the world after the Empire State Building and the tallest building in Chicago. The 95th-floor restaurant is a great location for overlooking Chicago and Lake Michigan.

There is also an observatory deck (360 Chicago which boasts views of up to four states), TILT (a moving platform that leans over the edge of the building0, and an open-air SkyWalk.

Another interesting fact is that the 44th-floor lobby has the highest indoor swimming pool. The construction was financed and named by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Address: 875 N. Michigan | Architect: F. Kan, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, Established: 1969

The London House

The London Guarantee Building (or London Guaranty & Accident Building) is a historic 1923 commercial skyscraper.

The building is now a Curio hotel in the Hilton brand. Their rooftop bar delivers beautiful views of the city and the Chicago River.

Address: 85 E. Wacker Dr. | Architect: A. Alschuler, Established: 1922

The Merchandise Mart

Located on the Chicago River, this building is so large that it once had a proprietary zip code.

Year-round, the building is home to wholesale showrooms, exhibits, and trade shows.

Art on theMART is a digital art show that is quite popular during the holiday season in Chicago .

Address: 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza | Architect: A. Shaw, Established: 1928

The Rookery Building

Considered the oldest standing high-rise in Chicago, the name Rookery came about because pigeons and other winged birds flocked the exterior.

One of the most notable features is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed light court, as well as the oriel staircase. Due to its prohibition-era architecture, the building was also used in famous films such as The Untouchables.

Address: 207 S. LaSalle St. | Architect: Burnham & Root, Established: 1888

The Water Tower

This famous tower survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 while practically everything in the surrounding area burned to ashes. It has since been a proud symbol of Old Chicago.

Today, it houses a small art gallery and features the work of local artists, filmmakers, and photographers.

Address: 806 N. Michigan Ave. | Architect: W. Boyington, Established 1869

Willis Tower

Formerly (and still referred to by Chicagoans as) the Sears Tower, this famous tower once surpassed the former World Trade Center in New York as the tallest building in the world and held that honor for about 25 years.

The Skydeck opened as the highest observation deck in the U.S and is one of Chicago’s most visited tourist attractions .

A renovation included the extension of retractable glass balconies called “The Ledge” which offers transparent views of the streets below.

Address: 233 S. Wacker Dr. | Architect: F. Khan, B. Graham, Established: 1973

Wrigley Building

This stunning skyscraper was once the headquarters of William Wrigley, the famed chewing gum magnate.

Today, the building continues to be used as office space for companies like Groupon and Chicago’s Chamber of Commerce. It also hails as one of the most Instagrammable spots in Chicago.

Address: 400-410 N. Michigan Ave. | Architect: Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, 1920

Tribune Tower

The original Tribune structure was destroyed in the Great Fire of Chicago and rebuilt. Today, it stands as home to three major media outlets (TV, newspaper, and radio) in Chicago.

On the exterior, rocks and bricks from historically significant sites were incorporated into the facade of the lower walls.

Embedded stones include artifacts from Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb, the Taj Mahal, the Parthenon, the Palace of Westminster, the Great Pyramid, The Alamo, Notre Dame of Paris, the Great Wall of China, and many others.

In its design and construction, the building was known as the most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world. Free tours are offered annually.

Address: 435 Michigan Ave. | Architect: R. Hood, J. Howells, Established: 1925

Wrigley Field

Home to the Chicago Cubs and one of six major sports teams, the stadium is located in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.

The ballpark is famous for the outfield walls covered in ivy leaves and Cubbie fans love the tradition of singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame ” started by Harry Caray.

The park is used for other sports events like soccer, hockey, and football. The park has been host to spectacular concerts with renowned artists like Billy Joel, James Taylor, Lady Gaga, and Jimmy Buffett.

Address: 1060 W. Addison St. | Architect: Z. Davis, Established: 1914

Final Thoughts on the Most Famous Buildings in Chicago

I have to admit that when traveling to different cities, the architecture astounds me. Since my husband is an architect, he notes buildings and designs that I would have otherwise missed.

This is the main reason that I wrote this post. People know a few things that Chicago is most famous for, like Cloud Gate or Millennium Park. But they aren’t always familiar with the contributions or why these famous buildings in Chicago have architectural significance.

This post was a labor of love, and I enjoyed compiling it for you. This page has some great videos of architecture at the University of Chicago.

If you’re fascinated by historical landmarks, you won’t want to miss the captivating stories housed within the Jane Addams-Hull House Museum .

Safe travels.