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Activities in Chicago

Chicago Free Architecture Tour

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On this free architecture tour of Chicago, we’ll show you why the Windy City was a pioneer in skyscraper construction. A journey to the origins of the Chicago School!

On this free architecture tour of Chicago, we’ll show you why the Windy City was a pioneer in skyscraper construction. A journey to the origins of the Chicago School!

Tour Details

At the scheduled time, we’ll meet at Federal Plaza, in front of Alexander Calder's sculpture. Once we’re ready, we’ll begin exploring the origins of Chicago’s current urban layout. Let’s get started!

Just a few steps away, we’ll reach the Harold Washington Library, a true postmodern manifesto. We’ll admire its red brick façade and discuss the classical references of this building located south of The Loop. Did you know that Chicago was one of the first cities in the United States to mix architectural styles?

Next, we’ll walk along LaSalle Street, right in the heart of the financial district, lined with neoclassical facades of columns and symmetry that project stability. Here, we’ll connect the language of temples with that of economic capital. Stone, proportion, and solemnity serve the banks and insurance companies.

Our free architecture tour will take us in front of the famous Willis Tower, where we’ll analyze its logic of structural tubes and its commitment to efficiency. We’ll continue along the Chicago Riverwalk, an area where we’ll see overlapping styles, glass, stone, and steel walls, and a relationship with water that rewrites the city from an urban perspective.

We’ll finish the tour at Heald Square, where we’ll wrap up this 2-hour experience.

Group Size 

This free tour does not accept reservations for groups of more than 6 people, even if the reservations are made separately. If you are a larger group, we recommend booking an architecture tour of Chicago.

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More Information

Duration

2 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English. The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide

Not included

Tips

When to book?

You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Pets

Permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

    A - This activity requires a minimum of 3 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Blue Umbrella Tours Corporate name: US Galicia Tours LLC Registered Office: 7345 W SAND LAKE RD STE 210, Orlando, United States Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 612179603 Contact information Email: info@blueumbrellatours.com Phone: +1 213 348-3367

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Where does the activity end?

Flamingo sculpture by Alexander Calder

Wrigley Building

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Where does the activity end?

Wrigley Building

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