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Sacred Spaces in Downtown Chicago

  • Interior image of a synagogue showing pews from the side and a colorful stain glass window directly beside them

    Chicago Loop Synagogue interior. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers

Visit seven completely different sites — many designed by well-known architects.

  • Interior image of a synagogue showing pews from the side and a colorful stain glass window directly beside them

    Chicago Loop Synagogue interior. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers

Chicago's downtown is home to a number of striking and architecturally significant houses of worship. Visit several of these sites, including "the tallest church in the world" — a skyscraper with offices, designed for worship and work.

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

Southeast corner of State St. and Jackson Blvd.

Be surprised by magnificent architectural details on the exteriors and interiors, with highlights including an intimate chapel for the Loop's growing student population, an enormous expanse of stained glass in a synagogue and an Art Deco style church with a massive crucifix sculpture at its entrance.

Know before you go:
  • Advance reservations are required for this tour.
  • The tour meets at the St. Vincent DePaul sculpture in the plaza in front of Barnes & Noble, on the southeast corner of State Street and Jackson Boulevard.
  • Tour-takers wishing to see an eighth Sacred Space, the 17th Church of Christ, Scientist, will be escorted an additional 6 city blocks to Wacker & Wabash, adding about 20 to 30 minutes to the tour.

Tour reviews

    • This tour offers an opportunity to see unique church designs in the Loop and learn about different varieties of religious expression.
      Nancy SchwabCAC Docent
  • Greem sculpture of letters

    Chicago Loop Synagogue. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers

  • Image looking up at a sculpture carved in stone of Jesus with his arms spread across a cross

    St. Peter's Catholic Church. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers

  • Interior of a warmly lit Catholic church with wooden pews on each side of the room

    Interior of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers

  • Exterior shot of a tall beige building with an ornate pointed top

    Chicago Temple. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers

  • Roopm filled with wooden pews on either side and an orange tiled floor. the walls and the pews are both green

    Chicago Temple. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers

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

    Difficult - Loud environment, no devices available 

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Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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