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Macy's on State

  • Green clock attached to the outside of a building

Come with us as we explore the fascinating history of Marshall Field’s – the architecture, the store, and the man.

  • Green clock attached to the outside of a building

Explore the construction, development and renovation of this State Street landmark by Daniel Burnham.

Duration
1 hour
Site Type
Buildings
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Inside the Washington Street entrance that is closest to Wabash

Learn how Marshall Field introduced innovations in merchandising that made shopping in this Burnham-designed building an experience treasured by Chicagoans and visitors alike. In this changing time for women, Marshall Field viewed his store as a destination where women could come, shop, and meet their friends without being escorted.

Discover the century-old great clocks, the lavish Tiffany vaulted ceiling, the Walnut Room and "Charley's Door." See where the top floors of Macy’s have been repurposed into a separate office building.

Know before you go:
  • This tour is mostly inside, but we will step outside for about 15 minutes.
  • There is a wheelchair accessible entrance to Macy's on State St. and one on Wabash Ave.

Tour reviews

    • Thank you so much for your diligence and excellent information [on the Macy's tour]! The groups absolutely LOVED their tours and had a wonderful time.
      Tour leaderElmhurst History Museum
    • Chicagoans looked to Marshall Field's as THE place to shop. No matter what you wished for, you could find it at Field's.
      Donna GabanskiCAC Docent
  • Interior view of building atrium with glass ceiling

    Marshall Fields atrium. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • Blue, gold mosaic tile ceiling with red accents

    Tiffany barrel-vaulted ceiling. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • Yellow golden globe light fixture hanging from mosaic glass ceiling.

    Tiffany Dome.

  • Store plaque on exterior of stone building

    Store sign on State Street

  • Exterior of large stone building in city downtown

    View via Wabash Avenue. Photo by Irina Hynes.

  • Exterior of large stone building in city downtown

    Exterior detail. Photo by Chad Kainz.

  • Exterior of an old building focused on a green clock hanging from the corner.
  • large room lit in red lights with high ceilings and a giant Christmas tree with s large toy car in front of it as decor.

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

    Moderate - Some uneven or mixed surfaces

  • 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

    Easy - Quiet setting, easy to hear

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