Chicago's Architecture Foundation

A view of the city's buildings by boat offers a unique perspective.
Visitors to Chicago may take one of many architectural river cruises to experience the preservation of ageless architectural styles in classic and modern structures along the Chicago River.

For a more detailed look, the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers more than 50 walking or bus tours, conducted by knowledgeable guides.
Located in the historic Railway Exchange Building at 224 S. Michigan Avenue, the foundation’s bookstore and gift shop and the Chicago ArchiCenter, which is designed to raise public interest in Chicago’s magnificent architecture, heighten the architectural experience for visitors.

For those who prefer a self-guided tour, visitors can pick up a free street map at one of the official Visitor Centers or stop by the Chicago Architecture Foundation to purchase a map of Chicago buildings featured on its tours. Visitors can also purchase one of the many guidebooks to architecture and landmarks at local bookstores or newsstands.

A self-guided tour might begin by marveling at the work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe at the Federal Center and Plaza (Jackson Boulevard and Dearborn Street). A few blocks away, the 1886 Rookery Building (LaSalle and Adams Streets) designed by Burnham and Root with a lobby remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright is a Chicago landmark. An excellent example of Wright's Prairie School of architecture is the Robie House (5757 S. Woodlawn Avenue), near the University of Chicago.

Chicago's Architecture Highlights

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Begin of article: Chicago's Architecture