Chicago’s architectural wonders have made it a renowned city in the realm of design. With its awe-inspiring skyscrapers, historical gems, and exquisite buildings, Chicago is a paradise for architecture lovers. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to delve into the world of Chicago’s famous architecture, with various tours showcasing the city’s extraordinary structures.
Whether you opt for a boat tour exclusively dedicated to Chicago’s architectural marvels, a walking tour exploring on foot, or a bus tour covering extensive ground, the options are plentiful. Here, we present a compilation of ten notable examples of Chicago architecture that are must-see attractions.
Willis Tower: A Skyward Marvel
Formerly known as the Sears Tower—and still predominantly referred to as such by Chicagoans—the Willis Tower stands as one of the most renowned skyscrapers worldwide. For nearly 25 years, the Willis Tower held the title of the tallest building on the planet. Even today, with a height of approximately 1,450 feet, it remains among the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere.
One of the highlights of the Willis Tower is Skydeck Chicago, an observation deck situated on the 103rd floor, offering awe-inspiring panoramic views of the city in all directions. A visit to this magnificent tower is truly an experience not to be missed.
875 North Michigan: Iconic Structure with a New Identity
Another quintessential Chicago building, 875 North Michigan, has recently undergone a name change (though locals often still refer to it as the John Hancock Center). This structure stands as one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Notable for its crisscrossing “X-braced” exterior, it soars approximately 1,500 feet from the ground, culminating in distinctive twin antennas.
Located prominently on the Magnificent Mile, just across from the upscale shops of Water Tower Place and a block north of the Museum of Contemporary Art, 875 North Michigan offers a 94th-floor observation deck known as 360 Chicago. This observation deck has captured the hearts of visitors from all corners of the globe.
Aqua: A Contemporary Masterpiece
Despite being one of Chicago’s newer high-rises, completed in 2009, Aqua has swiftly established itself as one of the city’s most highly regarded structures. Crafted by the acclaimed architect Jeanne Gang, Aqua derives its name from the irregular, undulating balconies that embellish the building, resembling waves.
This distinct feature gives Aqua a mesmerizing and fluid appearance, akin to the graceful movement of water. To truly appreciate its magnificence, witnessing Aqua from street level, with sunlight casting its enchanting glow at the perfect angle, is an absolute must for any architecture aficionado.
Marina City: Twin Towers with Distinct Character
The Marina City complex consists of two identical towers that possess such captivating charm that they have graced television show credits and adorned album covers. Affectionately known as “The Corn Cobs” due to their resemblance to towering ears of corn, these structures loom gracefully over the Chicago River.
To admire Marina City from a remarkable vantage point, a river cruise comes highly recommended. Shoreline Sightseeing and the Chicago Architecture Center offer exceptional boat tours that showcase the brilliance of Chicago’s architecture, with Marina City as a standout attraction.
The Wrigley Building: A Marvel of Chicago’s History
To explore two remarkable architectural gems in Chicago, simply venture two blocks east of Marina City to the glamorous Michigan Avenue. The first stop on our journey is the illustrious Wrigley Building, an adored historical landmark of the city.
Constructed in 1921, this exquisite masterpiece was crafted by the renowned architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, which had close ties to the legendary Daniel Burnham. Inspired by the elegant Giralda, the bell tower of the magnificent Seville Cathedral in Spain, the Wrigley Building stands as a testament to architectural brilliance.
Tribune Tower: The Spiritual Companion
Located just across the street from the Wrigley Building stands its spiritual companion, Tribune Tower. Although it may be difficult to fathom today, the unmistakable design of this commanding Gothic Revival structure was the result of a contest sponsored by the Chicago Tribune newspaper in 1922. In a unique approach to finding architectural plans for their new headquarters, the newspaper opened the competition to the public.
The winners of this contest were the talented duo of John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood. As you stroll by the Tribune Tower at ground level, keep an eye out for fragments of other famous buildings embedded within its structure. This peculiar yet captivating detail is definitely worth exploring.
Carbide & Carbon Building: A Downtown Skyscraper Gem
One of my personal favorites among the downtown Chicago skyscrapers is the Carbide & Carbon Building, situated at 230 N. Michigan Avenue. Completed in 1929, this Art Deco masterpiece was designed by the architectural firm of the Burnham Brothers, who were the sons of the renowned Daniel Burnham. The building’s exterior is a magnificent combination of black granite and green-and-gold terra cotta, topped off with a 24-karat gold cap.
Once you have taken in its breathtaking beauty, venture one block south and treat yourself to a visit at the American Writers Museum. It’s worth noting that the building was previously home to the St Jane Hotel, which unfortunately closed due to the pandemic. However, a new Pendry Hotel is soon to grace its place.
Chicago Water Tower: A True Icon
While the term “iconic” may be overused these days, there is no need for apologies when it comes to Chicago’s Water Tower—it truly deserves the title. Erected in 1869, the Water Tower may not have been the sole survivor of the Great Fire of 1871, as legend sometimes suggests, but it remains the most famous structure from that era still standing today.
Symbolizing the city’s resilience and strength in the face of immense adversity, the Water Tower holds significant meaning for the people of Chicago. In fact, its design has even been incorporated into the jerseys of the Chicago Fire Football Club.
Field Museum: A Majestic Blend of Nature and Architecture
Amidst the awe-inspiring exhibits housed within Chicago’s Field Museum, take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the building itself. Almost as renowned as the vast collections it contains, the Field Museum’s architecture is a spectacle in its own right. The museum’s permanent collections trace their origins back to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, while the structure itself showcases an impressive Classical Revival style, reminiscent of a temple.
Marshall Field and Company Building: A Monument to Vision and Artistry
No compilation of Chicago’s eminent buildings would be complete without mentioning the Marshall Field and Company Building. Although the store has changed hands in recent years and Marshall Field’s influential department store is no longer in operation, this colossal structure remains a testament to the vision of early 20th-century architects like Daniel Burnham. Burnham, who designed the building, including its iconic
Hello! My name is Kimberly L. Paquette, and I am delighted to welcome you to my website. Here’s a little bit about me and what I bring to the table:
I have always been passionate about travel and exploring new destinations. From a young age, I developed a deep curiosity for different cultures, landmarks, and experiences the world offers. This passion led me to create this website, Chicago City Travel, as a platform to share my knowledge and insights about the captivating city of Chicago.