Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture
A light, well-paced experience designed for small groups. Share your preferred date and group size—then we’ll confirm the details and next steps.
What you’ll do
Clear steps, comfortable pacing, and a plan built around your group size.
Highlights
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Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Pets are not allowed.
The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Tour overview
Enjoy an immersive way to discover Chicago's more recent architectural heritage with this small-group walking tour. Led by your architectural expert guide, you'll discover many of the Windy City's modern, postmodern, and other newer structures, including works by architects like Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg, and beyond. As you go, your guide will point out the buildings many visitors overlook, and share stories from their history you wouldn't otherwise hear.
- This small-group tour makes for a more personal way to see the city
- Discover a side of Chicago that many other visitors miss
- This tour is ideal for architecture buffs and history lovers
- Learn insider stories and history from your guide's narration
What To Expect
Chicago Architecture Center
Your tour begins at the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Visit the CAC to view a 4,000-building scale model of Chicago or shop in the award-winning store.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
One Prudential Plaza
View the Prudential Building.
• Admission Ticket Free
Aon Center
View the Aon Center.
• Admission Ticket Free
Inland Steel Building
View the Inland Steel Building.
• Admission Ticket Free
Daley Center
Marvel at Richard J. Daley Center, one of the first buildings to be covered in an unpainted steel called Cor-Ten. The docent will also discuss the famous "Chicago Picasso" artwork in the plaza.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
AMA Plaza
Discuss the AMA Plaza, formerly home to the office of Mies van der Rohe.
• Admission Ticket Free
Marina City
Highlights include Marina City, a mixed-use residential-commercial building designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, envisioned as an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Apple Michigan Avenue
View the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue.
• Admission Ticket Free
Everything you need
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Walking tour of Chicago's modern and postmodern architecture
Narration by a professional and certified guide
Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
Plan around what’s outside the scope
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
Storage for luggage or strollers
Coat check
Detailed tour information
Practical notes to help your group feel prepared before you arrive.
What happens next
- Submit your request with your preferred date and group size.
- We confirm availability and share the meeting details for your group.
- You’ll receive a clear checklist before the experience begins.
Good to know
- Confirmation is provided after your inquiry is reviewed.
- Service animals are welcome where applicable.
- Most travelers can participate; accessibility needs can be discussed on request.
Tour content
- This small-group tour makes for a more personal way to see the city
- Discover a side of Chicago that many other visitors miss
- This tour is ideal for architecture buffs and history lovers
- Learn insider stories and history from your guide's narration
What To Expect
Chicago Architecture Center
Your tour begins at the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Visit the CAC to view a 4,000-building scale model of Chicago or shop in the award-winning store.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
One Prudential Plaza
View the Prudential Building.
• Admission Ticket Free
Aon Center
View the Aon Center.
• Admission Ticket Free
Inland Steel Building
View the Inland Steel Building.
• Admission Ticket Free
Daley Center
Marvel at Richard J. Daley Center, one of the first buildings to be covered in an unpainted steel called Cor-Ten. The docent will also discuss the famous "Chicago Picasso" artwork in the plaza.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
AMA Plaza
Discuss the AMA Plaza, formerly home to the office of Mies van der Rohe.
• Admission Ticket Free
Marina City
Highlights include Marina City, a mixed-use residential-commercial building designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, envisioned as an urban experiment designed to draw middle-class Chicagoans back to the city after more than a decade of suburban migration.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Apple Michigan Avenue
View the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue.
• Admission Ticket Free
Built for confidence
Real support before you go—so there are no surprises.
Practical guidance
Quick answers for planning with less stress.
Send your tour request
Tell us when you want to go and how many people are coming. We’ll follow up with confirmation details.