Overview
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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
Narration by a professional and certified guide
Coat check
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Storage for luggage or strollers
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meet inside the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time.
End point
End near Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Plaza
Good to know
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time and present your ticket to the box office at the Chicago Architecture Center.
What to expect
-
Chicago River
1 hour 30 min
Discuss buildings built in the Art Deco style along the riverfront
-
333 Michigan Ave
10 min
View the exterior of the building
-
Carbide and Carbon Building
10 min
View the Carbide and Carbon Building
-
66 E Wacker Pl
10 min
Visit the former Chicago Motor Club Building, 66 E Wacker Place
-
182 W Lake St
10 min
Visit the Trustees System Service Building
-
Merchandise Mart
10 min
Visit Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Plaza
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- Pets are not allowed.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
FAQs about Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront
Can I cancel Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1 hour 30 min.
Where does it start?
Meet inside the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time.
What's included?
- Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
- Narration by a professional and certified guide
What's not included?
- Coat check
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Storage for luggage or strollers
Which places does it visit?
It visits Chicago River, Carbide and Carbon Building, Merchandise Mart.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Chicago Architecture Center
