Historic Bronzeville Churches by Bus
Explore historic churches in the Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area.
- Walking
- Building
Rookery Building
Explore the interior and exterior of one of Chicago’s most famous and beloved historic buildings. *CAC Select tour*
Explore the Rookery by Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root; a Moorish castle on the exterior with a stunning interior atrium redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Architects and Styles
Meet
209 S. LaSalle St. at the grand staircase
Marvel at the exquisite beauty and grandeur of the highly ornamented brick and granite exterior, which some liken to a Moorish castle. Learn more about the method of construction and how the architects employed a combination of designs to maximize light and air in this early office building. We’ll also discuss various renovations and restorations to the building and learn the interesting story of how The Rookery earned its name.
*CAC Select tours are free for membership level Dual and above. See more about the difference between Premier, Essential and Select walking tours or learn more about CAC membership levels.
Tour reviews
Guests are wowed by the beauty of the building and the tri-layer history exposed during the tour. They also love the special visit to the Burnham and Root library and being in “the room where it happened.”
Bobbi PinkertCAC Docent
Detail of the Rookery staircase
Rookery Atrium. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.
Rookery Atrium.
Rookery Exterior
Rookery Exterior. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.
Rookery Exterior. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.
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MORE ABOUT THIS BUILDING
Discover more about the Rookery in CAC's Buildings of Chicago online library.
Free Center Entry with Your Ticket
Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.
