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Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture

69 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 69 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Chicago, USA
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from $35 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
111 E Wacker Drive
Prudential Plaza
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture Image 3
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture Image 4
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 59 (43) days in advance.
1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Looking for iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture? What better place than Chicago with its triumvirate of modern architects (Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and SOM) and a city ready and willing to accept them. Find out what set these buildings apart from their predecessors and how they helped set the stage for the future.

If you’re interested in iconic buildings, public art, urban planning or government this is your tour. Find out the stories behind inland steel, Marina city, the IBM building and other "Mad Men" worthy skyscrapers.

As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

What's Included

  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Walking tour of Chicago's modern and postmodern architecture
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

111 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

One Prudential Plaza (pass by)

View the Prudential Building.
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Aon Center (pass by)

View the Aon Center.
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Inland Steel Building (pass by)

View the Inland Steel Building.
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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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

AMA Plaza, Upper Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL (pass by)

Discuss the AMA Plaza, formerly home to the office of Mies van der Rohe.
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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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Apple Michigan Avenue (pass by)

View the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue.
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Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Pets are not allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3173MODERN

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.93
69 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 69 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
66
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 59 (43) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • Walking tour of Chicago's modern and postmodern architecture.
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Storage for luggage or strollers.
  • Coat check.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 5..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Walking tour of Chicago's modern and postmodern architecture
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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

Report Product Issue

Activity name