Intro to Chicago Architecture
Overview
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of how a muddy Midwestern outpost transformed into the global capital of architecture. Experience everything from early, classically inspired European styles to bold American Art Deco and Modernist innovations to today’s Contemporary designs that continue to set the pace for world-leading architecture.
As you journey through Chicago’s spectacular skyscraper canyons and stunning interiors, you’ll see how economics, technology, creativity, and gritty determination shaped Chicago’s ever-evolving skyline.
Whether you’re a visitor or you’re a Chicagoan who has never explored the architectural masterpieces you see every day, join us today on this enlightening adventure.
What's Included
- Admission to the Chicago Architecture Center's exhibits.
- Storage for luggage or strollers
- Coat check
Meeting Location
111 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
140 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60603, USA
This tour ends at the Marquette Building, 140 S. Dearborn St., just under 1 mile (1.5 km) from the beginning.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Marquette Building
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
- Pets are not allowed.
- This tour departs in all weather. Please dress appropriately.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Intro to Chicago Architecture?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-3173P26
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 26 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
- Admission to the Chicago Architecture Center's exhibits.
- Storage for luggage or strollers.
- Coat check.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Intro to Chicago Architecture is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Intro to Chicago Architecture will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Admission to the Chicago Architecture Center's exhibits.
- Storage for luggage or strollers
- Coat check
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
- Pets are not allowed.
- This tour departs in all weather. Please dress appropriately.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
