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Interior Treasures of the Golden Age

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Discover the design of the Gilded Age and Roaring Twenties, from lush Tiffany mosaics and glass to sleek Art Deco bronze and marble, and see how Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair shaped architecture for decades.

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    1 of 12 worldwide to receive the "Best Tour on Two Feet" award

The 40 years between 1890 and 1930 saw the creation of some of Chicago’s most memorable buildings. Tour includes visits to the interiors of the Chicago Cultural Center, Palmer House and Macy's on State.

Duration
2 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

After the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, Chicago was determined to become a great cultural and commercial metropolis. This tour is a testament to that era's ambitions. See buildings by Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Holabird and Roche and other noted architects and hear the stories behind the city's architectural gems.

This tour was formerly known as: Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age.

Tour reviews

    • Interior Treasures of the Golden Age is more than just a tour of beautiful buildings. It helps tell the story of a remarkable American city.
      Leslie Clark LewisCAC Docent
    • I took the historic treasures walking tour this past Friday. It was a really fun tour with lots of interesting facts about the history of Chicago, and some of the important people that helped define the city. Our guide René was great! Very knowledgeable and fun to be around and made the tour even more interesting, I would highly recommend taking this architectural tour if you are visiting or want to learn more about Chicago!
      Scott R.
    • My father and I have lived in Chicago all our lives I know a decent amount of Chicago history and even we walked away glad for having taken this tour! Chris P. was our guide and did a great job informing us about the actual stops as well as other tidbits along the way. As a citizen of a city this rich there is always more to learn and I was so glad to learn some interesting facts I do not think I would have otherwise. Walking distance was decent, but manageable and we had a great time. I will definitely seek out more events and ways to participate with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Bonus- the model of the City in the actual Foundation was a blast to look at. Thanks so much!
      Valerie N.
  • interior golden elevators.

    Pendry elevator lobby. Photo by Eric Rogers.

  • Grand interior of a hotel with lots of seating.

    Palmer House main lobby. Photo courtesy of the Palmer House Hotel.

  • Grand interior of a hotel with elevators.

    Pittsfield Building. Photo courtesy of courtesy of Warren Lemay.

  • Grand staircase made of marble.

    Chicago Cultural Center stairs.

Tour Accessibility

CAC is committed to improving access to our tours. The accessibility information below reflects our docents’ experience and is provided for general guidance only.

What to expect on this tour

  • Icon of a person walking with a red percentage sign

    Terrain & Surfaces

    Easy - Paved and flat the entire route 

  • Icon of a wheelchair and red arrow

    Wheelchair & Walker Access

    Moderate - Ramps and alternate routes provided

  • Icon of the outline or some steps and a red arrow pointing diagonally right and up.

    Steps or Stairs

    Moderate - Step-free alternate route available  

  • Icon of an ear with a red throughline

    Hearing Access

    Moderate - Noisy areas, listening devices provided 

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