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Inland Steel Building

  • Exterior image looking up at a building covered in blue-green glass

    Inland Steel Exterior

Explore the exterior and interior of this iconic modern masterpiece and learn the stories behind this timeless structure.
  • Exterior image looking up at a building covered in blue-green glass

    Inland Steel Exterior

As the first skyscraper built within the Loop after World War II, the Inland Steel Building became an instant symbol of Chicago’s prominence as a modern American city in the 20th century.

Duration
45 minutes
Site Type
Buildings
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

30 W. Monroe St., inside the building's lobby

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1958, Inland Steel uses the most modern and cutting edge materials and designs. See for yourself why it has attained such fame as a classic example of mid-century Modernism.

The Radiant sculpture in the lobby has been restored recently to its former glory of reddish gold, and silver wires supporting a radiant stainless-steel form. See how this beautiful sculpture reinforces the beauty of steel.

Tour reviews

    • The Inland Steel Building shines in the Loop like emeralds set in platinum. Imagine what people thought in 1958, when this glass and steel masterpiece emerged among buildings designed in historic styles!
      Delta GreeneCAC Docent
  • Exterior shot of a building from the corner showing the walls covered in blue-green glass

    Inland Steel exterior. Photo by Peter J. Sieger

  • Interior shot of a lobby with black granite floors and a sculpture that has poles spiking out

    Inland Steel lobby. Photo by Peter J. Sieger

  • Exterior shot of a building looking into the first floor lobby with large windows allowing you to see a sculpture inside

    Inland Steel street level

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

    Easy - Fully accessible; no barriers

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

    Steps or Stairs

    Easy - No stairs, step-free route

  • Icon of an ear with a red throughline

    Hearing Access

    Easy - Quiet setting, easy to hear 

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MORE ABOUT THIS BUILDING

Discover more about the the Inland Steel Building in CAC's Buildings of Chicago online library.

LEARN MORE
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