The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture. CAF believes no art other than architecture so vividly expresses what Chicago is and where it is going. Offering over 80 tours to visitors daily, visitors have a plethora of choices in learning about architecture and the vibrant history of Chicago.
Below outlines some of the most popular architecture tours featured while visiting Chicago. For more info on the CAF, click here.
Official Architecture River Cruise
Marvel at Chicago's soaring towers while enjoying a 90-minute, narrated river cruise. This tour spotlights more than 50 architecturally significant sites where you will discover a new perspective on the city.
Highlights by Bus
Discover the exciting diversity of Chicago's finest buildings on this wide-ranging odyssey. This tour features an interior tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, covers 30 miles of Chicago architecture, including the Loop, Hyde Park and the Gold Coast.
Historic Skyscrapers Walking Tour
Take a step back in time for an informative look at some of our world famous early skyscrapers including: Rookery (1888), Auditorium Building (1889), Marquette Building (1895) and Chicago Board of Trade Building (1930).
Modern Skyscrapers Walking Tour
Examine many of the buildings that helped earn Chicago acclaim, from the elegant minimalism of Mies van der Rohe's Federal Center to the brawny expressiveness of the Richard J. Daley Center.
Architecture of Culture & Commerce Walking Tour
This was a time when Chicago was determined to be a great cultural city as evidenced and encouraged by the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. You'll see buildings by Burnham, Sullivan and other noted architects. Featuring the Reliance Building, Carson Pirie Scott & Co., the Chicago Cultural Center & Palmer House.