Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Loop

Chicago’s iconic art deco architecture takes center stage in the captivating Art Deco Skyscrapers Loop walking tour. Delving into the city’s rich history, you will explore the ornate facades and intricate interiors of legendary landmarks like the Chicago Board of Trade Building and the Carbide and Carbon Building. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers an immersive experience, unveiling the bold, geometric designs that defined the era. From architectural significance to captivating backstories, this tour promises to satisfy the curiosities of both history buffs and design enthusiasts. But the real question is, what secrets do these towering art deco masterpieces hold?

Key Points

• Explore iconic art deco architecture in Chicago’s downtown Loop district through a guided walking tour.
• Admire the architectural landmarks like the Chicago Board of Trade Building and Carbide and Carbon Building.
• Learn about the rich history, innovative design, and distinctive ornamentation of the art deco skyscrapers.
• Access the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center for a deeper understanding of the city’s architectural significance.
• Enjoy a highly-rated experience with 114 reviews, led by a Chicago Architecture Center-certified guide.

Overview of the Tour

The Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Loop is a highly-rated experience, with 114 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, that takes visitors on a small-group exploration of the iconic art deco architecture in the city’s downtown Loop district.

Led by a Chicago Architecture Center-certified guide, the tour focuses on architectural landmarks and their captivating histories.

Participants will admire the ornamental facades and intricate interiors of these art deco masterpieces, discovering highlights they wouldn’t encounter on their own.

Perfect for both architecture lovers and history buffs, the tour provides personal exploration time and access to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.

Tour Highlights

Participants on the Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Loop can admire the ornamental facades and intricate interiors of the city’s iconic art deco buildings, discovering architectural highlights they wouldn’t encounter on their own. The tour is perfect for architecture lovers and history buffs, led by a Chicago Architecture Center-certified guide who provides expert narration on the landmarks along the way. Highlights include:

Landmark	History	Significance
Chicago Board of Trade Building	Constructed in 1930, this 45-story skyscraper features a distinctive pyramid-shaped roof and intricate terra cotta ornamentation.	It’s considered one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in the city.
Carbide and Carbon Building	This luxury hotel, built in 1929, boasts a striking green and gold facade with dramatic setbacks and lush, marble-lined interiors.	It’s an iconic example of the art deco style, which was popular during the city’s building boom in the 1920s.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour offers:

• A chance to admire the ornamental facades and intricate interiors of art deco buildings
• Insights and historical context from a knowledgeable Chicago Architecture Center-certified guide
• The opportunity to explore architectural landmarks and hidden gems that visitors might miss on their own

It includes a walking tour of Downtown Chicago’s art deco architecture, narration by a professional and certified guide, and admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center. However, it doesn’t cover transportation to and from the meeting point, meals, or any additional activities beyond the specified tour.

Meeting and Pickup

With a meeting point set at 30 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60602, the tour begins in the heart of the city’s downtown. From there, the walking route winds its way towards the end point at the iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building, located at 141 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604.

Meeting Point	End Point
30 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60602	Chicago Board of Trade Building, 141 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604

The tour is conveniently accessible by public transportation, and is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Service animals are also allowed. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the cancellation policy offers a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience.

Additional Tour Details

The Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Loop provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned art deco architecture, led by a Chicago Architecture Center-certified guide. Guests can expect to admire the ornamental facades and intricate interiors of these architectural landmarks, while learning about their captivating history and significance.

The tour is conveniently accessible via public transportation and accommodates wheelchair and stroller users, as well as service animals.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring a smooth and organized experience.

Cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for participants.

The tour’s small-group format encourages personal exploration and interaction with the guide.

Exploring Art Deco Landmarks

Participants on the Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Loop can expect to marvel at the ornamental facades and intricate interiors of some of the city’s most iconic art deco skyscrapers.

The tour will highlight architectural landmarks like the Chicago Board of Trade Building, known for its striking vertical piers and setback design.

Visitors will also explore the elegant lobbies and decorative details of other art deco gems, including the Carbide and Carbon Building and the landmark Civic Opera House.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide will share the history and significance of these breathtaking structures, providing insights that would be difficult to uncover on one’s own.

Architectural History and Significance

Chicago’s art deco architectural gems showcase the city’s rich history and innovation. These iconic skyscrapers, built during the 1920s and 1930s, embody the bold, geometric design aesthetic that defined the art deco movement.

From the dramatic vertical piers of the Chicago Board of Trade Building to the lavish Art Deco interiors of the Carbide and Carbon Building, each structure reflects the ambition and creativity that fueled Chicago’s rapid growth in the early 20th century.

These art deco masterpieces:

• Highlight the city’s position as a center of commerce and industry
• Incorporate distinctive ornamentation and materials that evoke the era’s glamour
• Demonstrate the architectural innovation that made Chicago a global leader in skyscraper design

Professional and Certified Guidance

Exploring Chicago’s art deco architectural landmarks with a professional, Chicago Architecture Center-certified guide provides visitors an enriching experience they couldn’t get on their own.

These expert guides offer in-depth knowledge and insights into the history, design, and significance of the city’s iconic art deco buildings. Their narration brings the structures to life, highlighting the intricate details and ornamental facades that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Visitors can rest assured they’re getting an authentic, authoritative perspective from individuals who’ve been specifically trained and certified by the Chicago Architecture Center.

With their guidance, even the most seasoned architecture enthusiast is sure to uncover new and fascinating details about these architectural treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Walking Tour?

The length of the walking tour is not explicitly stated, but based on the information provided, it’s likely a several-hour guided exploration of the art deco architecture in downtown Chicago’s Loop neighborhood.

Can the Tour Be Done in Inclement Weather?

The tour can be conducted in inclement weather, as it is primarily an indoor experience. The buildings and galleries visited offer shelter, and the guide adjusts the route to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The walking tour includes scheduled restroom breaks to ensure guests’ comfort. The guide will inform participants of the restroom locations during the tour so they can take breaks as needed. This helps make the experience more enjoyable for all attendees.

What Should I Wear for the Walking Tour?

The guide recommends wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes for the walking tour. Layering is advised as the tour covers outdoor and indoor spaces. Bringing water and sun protection is also suggested for a pleasant experience.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos during the tour. The tour allows visitors to freely capture the ornamental facades and intricate interiors of the art deco buildings. Just be mindful not to disrupt the guide or other participants.

Recap

The Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Loop offers a captivating exploration of the city’s iconic art deco architecture.

Participants will explore the histories and significance of landmarks like the Chicago Board of Trade Building, admiring their ornamental facades and intricate interiors.

With a knowledgeable guide and access to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center, this tour provides an engaging experience for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.